After years in a cage on a bear bile farm, Gizmo is determined to grab his new life with both paws – and he can literally taste freedom.

Gizmo was one of 13 bears rescued in June by Animals Asia and, after a period of quarantine and rehabilitation, he was ready to take his giant step outside.

Gizmo has been determined to enjoy all the finer things in sanctuary life since his arrival. Whenever he sees a bear worker carrying a hose past – he’d eagerly encourage them to spray him – rolling on his back with his feet in the air waiting for a soaking.

For Gizmo, his newfound freedom has meant that he has the choice to go off by himself, chew on some pumpkin or a piece of bamboo, and wait for the next hose bath to happen.

Angelica was another of the 13 bears rescued in June – released by the same bile farmer whose six remaining bears were freed this week. Angelica was in poor shape, missing both of her front paws. Once in Animals Asia’s care, she became very calm. And since then, she’s adjusted to her new life remarkably well.

From the beginning of her time at the sanctuary, she’s been continuously curious. She’s loved all the toys and enrichment items provided. She played with them long after the other bears.

Animals Asia Bear and Vet Team Director Annemarie Weegenaar said:

“Once outside, Angelica was very brave in exploring her enclosure. Over the next few days she explored more of the enclosure and seemed to really enjoy being outside. She is a very brave and inquisitive bear who might have lived in the forest for some years before being caught in snares – likely the reason for the damage to her paws – as she looks so at ease outside.”

Last week she was introduced to Cinnamon, another bear from the same farm. Though Angelica was initially a bit nervous around her, Cinnamon persisted. She showed a lot of interest in Angelica from the start, often sitting next to her den slide and clucking when Angelica is out of sight.

Annemarie added:

“Now they are nearly inseparable, and it looks like Angelica’s enthusiasm for the outdoors is giving Cinnamon more confidence. And it’s giving us confidence as well, seeing our bears helping each other – learning how to just be bears, together.”

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