Moon bear Bao Lam was rescued from a circus where her 11 friends died — soon she’ll step outside for the first time in years, but first — her own pool.

Since Bao Lam was saved her rescuers have done everything they can to give her the life she deserves. She defied the odds to survive while she lost her friends one by one to the abysmal conditions they endured.

When she was rescued in August by Animals Asia from a small, dark cage, her rescuers found a middle-aged bear with the ailments of a much older animal. Arthritis, hypertension, cataracts and rotten teeth caused her constant pain, but she was alive — the last bear standing.

Now recovering at Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre, it’ll be some time before Bao Lam is ready to go outside. Her mental and physical rehabilitation is being overseen by vets and carers who are helping her adapt to a den — the largest space she has ever experienced.

Here, Animals Asia staff are preparing her for her new life by providing just the kind of gifts this inspirational bear deserves.

Animals Asia Bear and Vet Team Director Heidi Quine said:

“Bao Lam has been quick to explore her den, climbing every structure and playing with every enrichment item. When we noticed she liked to sit in her water bowl, we knew she would love to swim. She isn’t ready to go outside yet, but the team installed her very own paddling pool — and she loves it.”

The joy of playing in water is something Bao Lam can look forward to for the rest of her life at Animals Asia’s sanctuary.

Animals Asia Senior Veterinarian Mandala Hunter-Ishikawa, who was part of Bao Lam’s rescue team, said:

“Already Bao Lam is a totally different bear to the scared animal I saw in the dark, dank prison cell when we rescued her. Every day she is gaining confidence and expressing herself more openly. The personality she is revealing is inquisitive, fun and increasingly trusting of humans which is amazing considering what she has been through.”

Bao Lam’s journey is just beginning. In the future she will make bear friends and eventually learn to play outside with them. For now she will be given all the time, love and care she needs.

Animals Asia has rescued nearly 600 bears in Vietnam and China, mostly from the bear bile industry. Each rescue is a lifelong commitment with Animals Asia providing care for the rest of the animal’s natural life.

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