New Year's Day 2014, sees a new moon in Capricorn. Not for 19 years has this occurred on such an auspicious day and, according to astrologers, this is a time when we can focus on practical and attainable long terms goals, a time when we can realistically nurture our dreams.

One of Capricorn's "lessons" is acceptance of the concept that reasonable boundaries and rules actually do offer us freedom – freedom from worry and chaos, for example. During this coming New Year's Day, as you gaze at this sliver of the new moon, I hope you'll join us in wishing for the freedom we've been working for since 1993.

This past year has been nothing less than remarkable for all of our programmes helping dogs, cats, zoo animals and especially bears.

To bring the last 12 months to life, please enjoy the beautiful image above from German photograher and longtime supporter Sepp Hausel and the two video clips below.

See Australian director David Finnegan's one-minute clip here. David brilliantly collated some landmark moments in Animals Asia's relentless goal to end bear farming in China and Vietnam..

And the second clip shows an astonishingly talented "sand painter" in Beijing. Watch Baolong Yuan at work accompanied by Yang Lingyan singing "If only I could speak".

As the final few hours of 2013 tick away, we never forget that your voice and your help is moving mountains for our campaigns. Happy New Year, thank you for your faith and support, and for staying with us for another year of progress, hope – and freedom – until the cruelty ends.