In an urgent mission, Animals Asia swiftly mobilized to rescue a moon bear from Vinh Phuc, near the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre.

Trapped in a tiny, rusted cage for over twenty years, the bear — now named Crescent — was swiftly liberated from the bile industry, marking the start of a new life.

A shift towards kindness

Crescent’s rescue underscores a significant shift in local attitudes toward bear bile farming. For years, Animals Asia has worked to reduce demand by promoting humane alternatives and educating communities about bear sentience. This change was evident when Crescent’s owner, seeking a better life for the bear, voluntarily handed her over to our care.

The owner and her nieces even accompanied the rescue team to visit our world-class sanctuary, where Crescent will now live safely.

A milestone for our team

The rescue was also a milestone for Linh (Nola) and Huong, our Vietnamese veterinary and nurse interns, respectively. Animals Asia, the only organization offering a Vietnamese veterinary nurse internship, is proud to see its interns play a vital role in such life-changing missions.

A timely birthday gift

Crescent’s rescue coincides with Animals Asia’s 26th anniversary on Moon Bear Day — a fitting birthday gift of compassion. Named to reflect her journey from captivity to a brighter future, Crescent symbolizes the impact of our ongoing efforts to transform the lives of moon bears across Asia.

As she begins her new life in our sanctuary, Crescent’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of every rescue and the brighter future we are building, one bear at a time.
 

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