Animals Asia has unveiled the location of our new sanctuary in Vietnam, during a star-studded event, bringing us a step closer to ending the cruel, outdated and illegal practice of bear bile farming in the country.
Founder and CEO Jill Robinson said, ‘This is a truly historic day. We are witnessing another monumental chapter in our collaboration with the Vietnam Government that will lead to a definitive end to bear bile farming’.
Jill and Animals Asia’s Vietnam bear, vet, and rescue teams were joined virtually by global superstars including Dame Judi Dench, Joaquin Phoenix, Ricky Gervais, James Cromwell, Stephen Fry, Peter Egan, Kesha, Jimmi Simpson, Rick Wakeman, and acclaimed conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, while on the ground in Vietnam were actresses Tara Buck, Torrey DeVitto, Marina Squerciati, and award-winning photographer Katarina Benzova.
This new 12-hectare sanctuary will sit within the beautiful, mountainous surroundings of the Bach Ma National Park and eventually be home to the bears who are still trapped on bile farms.
Once the last bear is saved, this trade will be history for Vietnam, and will set a precedent for other countries in the region to follow. And for Animals Asia, it will be the achievement of one of our founding goals - to end bear bile farming in Vietnam.