Vietnam: FOUR PAWS opens new bear sanctuary

The international animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS officially opened its BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh in Vietnam on 7 March. The new bear sanctuary, located in Ninh Binh Province, already provides a species-appropriate home for twelve bears, including ten former bile bears. In the past, bile was regularly and illegally extracted from them for use in, among other things, traditional medicine. An estimated 800 animals are still suffering on approximately 250 bear farms. FOUR PAWS is therefore calling on the Vietnamese government to accelerate the closure of bear farms and to place the animals in sanctuaries. The BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh will have capacity for 100 abused bears.

With the opening of the BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh, FOUR PAWS has reached an important milestone in the fight against the illegal keeping of so-called bile bears. For although FOUR PAWS has already been able to rescue a dozen bears from cruel conditions over the past two years, there is still much to be done.

In 35 out of a total of 58 provinces, around 800 bears are still suffering on farms that do not meet their species-specific needs. They are completely neglected, malnourished, and subjected to the most terrible suffering. We have enough space here at the BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh. By the end of the year, we want to give a species-appropriate home to more than 40 animals in total. We are therefore calling on the Vietnamese government to accelerate the closure of bear farms. It is high time to end the suffering of bile bears once and for all.

FOUR PAWS founder and president Heli Dungler

Opening ceremony overshadowed by tragedy

FOUR PAWS had originally planned to rescue seven bile bears from three different bear farms in Dong Nai Province in southern Vietnam and bring them to the sanctuary. However, tragic circumstances thwarted this plan, as four bears died on the same farm within a week under circumstances that remain unexplained (Wild beim Wild reported). «Despite existing laws, such terrible incidents as the one in Dong Nai unfortunately often go without consequences for the farmers. The bears die in their cages, even though appropriate accommodation would be available for them. We therefore demand a full investigation into the cause of their deaths», says Heli Dungler.

The trade in bear bile flourishes despite available alternatives

Bear bile has been regarded as a remedy in traditional medicine for several thousand years and is used to treat eye diseases, haematomas, digestive complaints, and other ailments. Although its efficacy is questioned even by renowned experts in traditional medicine, and far superior herbal and synthetic alternatives exist, it remains a sought-after product in many Asian countries to this day. While the possession, sale, and consumption of bear bile has been banned in Vietnam since 2005, the keeping of the animals is still permitted.

Sanctuary provides space for a total of 100 bears

The BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh, which will cover 10 hectares once all construction work is complete, is open to the public. Local residents and tourists from around the world can see for themselves how formerly tormented farm bears gradually reclaim their natural instincts and live in a manner befitting their species. The first visitors were impressed by the sight of the generously designed outdoor enclosures with ponds, trees, and opportunities for climbing and hiding. The BEAR SANCTUARY not only represents a new home for former bile bears — it is also intended to serve as an educational and awareness centre to advance animal and species protection in Vietnam. Built to the latest husbandry standards, the sanctuary features its own veterinary clinic, two bear houses, a quarantine station, and four outdoor enclosures.