Since being rescued from traffickers, best friends Murphy and Goldie have become the family each has always wanted and never want to be apart.

Since being torn from their mothers by poachers, sun bears Murphy and Goldie have made a remarkable recovery.

Instead of being sold as exotic pets, or “stock” for a bile farm, these two young bears were rescued and have grown up at Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre.

Here, they have led an altogether different life. Instead of being confined to a tiny cage they are free to roam a large semi-natural enclosure filled with structures to keep them entertained.

And most importantly, instead of being held in isolation for their entire lives, they have grown up with each other in a community of other orphaned bears – and play together every day.

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

“For rescued bears who have endured cruelty and trauma, we almost always find that companionship is a hugely beneficial part of recovery.

“Having friends around gives the bears a sense of security, it gives them company and stimulation – and perhaps some meaning in their lives.

“Murphy, Goldie and the other bears who share their enclosure are an excellent example of this. They were all torn from their families, but each has comfort and playmates in each other. Now they are an incredibly playful, healthy and well-adjusted group – they’re a big happy family.”

Animals Asia has rescued more than 600 bears in Vietnam and China – mostly from the bile industry. Today, around 270 bears enjoy peaceful lives at the charity’s sanctuaries in Vietnam and Chengdu, China.

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