When Blue was rescued in 2005, he still had a hole in his stomach that had been used to harvest his bile.

Up to that point, his bile would be collected each day on the farm where he was caged. This wound was never allowed to heal.

Then one day the people that came to his cage only wanted to help him. His first taste of honey from Animals Asia founder Jill Robinson was the first clue that life was about to get better.

Since that day, Blue has made the China sanctuary his happy home – although he has kept the vets and his carers busy over the years. His quality of life is always their primary concern.

Because he has severe arthritis in multiple joints, he is now living in the China sanctuary’s special care area, a retirement home for bears. Animals Asia’s vets have carried out extensive surgery on him to correct a condition called entropian – the turning in of the eyelids, so the lashes scratch the cornea. This is the same condition that rescued bear Kay is currently suffering from in the Vietnam sanctuary.

Animals Asia Vet Emily Drayton said:

“When he arrived his fistula was still dripping bile, but he seemed a rather relaxed and calm bear. Over the years Blue has been in larger groups, but these days he lives in our special care area. He has quite severe arthritis in multiple joints, so he is not suited to our large enclosures. 

“Despite his age he continues to be very playful and likes to play with his toys, especially his plastic balls. In the wintertime he drags all the leaves and logs from his enclosure into his den, where he makes a perfect nest for hunkering down in the cold months.

“Blue is one of those bears that just gets on with things. He is industrious, playful and loves visitors – especially when they have an apple for him.”

Despite his troubled past, Blue is a happy bear. After all he’s got his hammock, and an ample supply of apples. And he loves a snooze – in fact he’s an incredible snorer. But his moon bear neighbours never seem to mind.

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