One month ago, Animals Asia rescued five moon bears from at least 13 years of cruelty on a Vietnamese bear bile farm.

All that time they had been trapped in small metal cages completely devoid of any stimulation or natural objects.

Carers were most shocked by the awful condition of the bears’ teeth, but can now rest easily after a visit from renowned dental specialist Dr Cedric Tutt.

Moon bears LeBON, Mekong and Star are now pain-free after the completion of complicated dental procedures.

All three bears received root canal surgery to remove severely diseased internal pulp cavity from three of their canine teeth. This procedure allows Mekong, Star and LeBON to keep their pivotal canine teeth, while removing the agonising pain they have long been forced to endure.

Animals Asia Vietnam Bear and Vet Team Director Heidi Quine said:

“We can’t thank Cedric enough for donating his time and expertise yet again to help our ex-bile farm bears recover from chronic pain after years of abuse. The procedures Cedric carries out are highly specialised and make a world of difference to the daily lives of the bears at our sanctuary.”

While the surgery marks a turning point in the bears’ physical recovery, their psychological rehabilitation has moved to the next stage with the bears enjoying an early move to indoor dens in the sanctuary’s River House.

Here the bears can continue their quarantine period in large spaces filled with enrichment structures such as splash pools and multi-level climbing frames which will stimulate body and mind.

While the bears aren’t yet physically or mentally ready to go outside, carers brought the outside to them in the form of lumps of earth and grass to help re-acquaint them with the natural  world.

Heidi said:

“All five bears have been absolutely delighted with their move to River House. Moon bear Kim went straight for the pool, even before the water was in! Once full, that is where she spent most of her afternoon.

“Mekong had the zoomies! He ran around everywhere, climbing up to the roof, baskets and platforms, checking out the view, and kicking a plastic ball around.

“Mai meandered around, sitting up to sniff the air. She also loved her pool and submerged her whole tiny body in it.

“LeBON was just fascinated by the space and array of play structures around him. He looked around the dens, clucked to Kim, and spent a long time watching his team of carers.”

Since the move to dens, carers believe all five bears are showing signs of reduced stress. In the coming months they will be introduced to other bears and, when they are ready, will be able to explore large, outdoor enclosures.

Heidi said:

“The move marks the next step in their recovery. In River House they will be able to rebuild muscle, learn to trust their carers and new environment, and become comfortable with the routines of sanctuary life. It’s all vital preparation for when they are ready to meet other bears and eventually step out onto the grass in a few months time.”

Our work doesn’t end when a bear is rescued. That’s when it really begins…

A gift from you today could help support the long-term care and rehabilitation facing Kim, Mekong, LeBON, Mai, and Star. Could you help mend these brave bears?

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