Sun bear Lamma was lost when best pal Arkte passed away, but with both having been rescued from bile farms – she’s keen to make the most of her freedom.

The loss earlier this year of Arkte, the first sun bear to arrive at Animals Asia’s Vietnam sanctuary, was hard to take for everyone. But for Arkte’s best friend Lamma it was a real blow.

The two had been inseparable since meeting each other at the sanctuary, regularly sharing a den basket and snuggling for warmth.

As Arkte (pictured below) grew weaker, Lamma seemed to sense her suffering and stayed by her side, but was ultimately powerless to stop her slipping away.

Now, 10 months on, Lamma is making the most of her life again – digging holes, destroying toys and climbing the highest trees she can find to feel the wind and sun on her face.

Of course, this diminutive sun bear has plenty of other friends too. Close pal David is still a reliable wrestling partner, and if he’s busy, there are three other playful sun bears to spend time with.

Getting over the loss of her friend hasn’t been easy for Lamma, but as a survivor of the bear bile industry, this indomitable bear has shown she has the strength of spirit and lust for life to move on.

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

“Bears, like humans, form relationships – one of the many things denied them on bile farms. During rehabilitation these friendships can help a lot. When a friend is lost, they’re not easy to replace – a part of their life goes missing.

“There’s no doubt that Lamma mourned her friend, but having spent so many years trapped in a bile farm, she’s also determined to make the most of her years in the sun. I’m sure Arkte would approve.”

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