Franzi was christened by her kind sponsor in Germany, Frau Alexandra Oetker, with a name that just seemed to fit her perfectly. But on this day it was no time to celebrate as we looked at the tiniest bear cringing in the corner of the smallest cage we had ever seen. Franzi had given up all hope – and small wonder.
Cruelly declawed and de-toothed, a large abscess under her chin, and a hole in her abdomen pouring with bile and pus, Franzi was a victim of the bear farm industry, milked daily for her bile. Here too, in all her glory, was the most perfect and tragic example of an animal with “stress dwarfism”; possessing a “normal” bear-shaped head, but a crudely stunted body, she was a shell of an animal who had been squashed and trapped in a cage for 25 years of her life.
She wouldn’t look at us at all, but stared at the bottom of her cage, her chest rising and falling as she breathed great gulps of fear in anticipation of who would hurt her next. Suddenly her nose quivered and her head turned towards me, as she caught the smell of something never before experienced, but just too tempting to ignore. Here was a fruity shake with strawberries, apples, mangos, condensed milk and jam, just in front of her nose – and, even more astonishingly, it was all for her.
Gingerly poking out her soft, pink tongue, Franzi took her first taste – and there was no going back as she closed her eyes and slurped, and slurped, and slurped. As she got to the bottom of the pot I poured the rest onto my fingers – not the most sensible thing to do with a newly rescued bear – and felt the softness of her velvety lips as she gently sucked the remainder of the best drink of her life.
From there it was all on her terms, with Franzi training us perfectly and knowing when to turn all the screws. Her love of grapes saw her spitting out the skin and pips in contempt until she had taught us that they were never to be offered again without peeling and de-seeding them first. Then, standing firm during bouts of inappetence, which saw us nervously trying a variety of “proper” bear food – until we once again relented and offered her exactly what she was holding out for – her favourite sachets of dog food with gravy.
In January 2003, a month after she arrived, she continued to worry us all with her bouts of ill health and refusal to eat. Gail, our previous Veterinary Director, was particularly worried about her; noting her constant respiratory effort and associated lung problems – and preparing us for the worst when she said that it “didn’t look good”.
Seven years later, and in her normal style of ignoring all sound veterinary science and advice, Franzi has happily tottered on, enjoying her life and deciding for herself exactly when it is time to go.
And, when we weren’t worrying about her, Franzi always made us laugh. Politely described as a “windy” bear, she would burp and fart with abandon – usually when I was showing her off to a very large group of visitors; timing it just right as they stood respectfully around her den, listening to the poignant story of our very special bear with a sad and tragic past. How could we be serious when she let rip with all the smugness of an elderly Aunt.
On a cold day in winter, I looked out of my window onto her secret garden, which backs on to my room, and saw her carrying the hugest pile of straw in her mouth as she strode purposefully back to her den, anticipating just how she liked her bed made up, thank you very much.
There are no words to describe my sadness now this afternoon, offering this brave little bear her last supper. Adopting her perfect pose of sitting up at the den bars, she begins her small meal with a taster of rich beef and gravy dog food, followed by a piece of mince tart. The latter in recognition that a) she won’t see Christmas this year and b) in memory of the immortal words of Steve Irwin (rest in peace) who called her a “hot little tart” the first time he set eyes on her. As it turned out, Steve was spot on because, as time went by, this rather choosy female who had hated the presence of all other bears in “her” space, finally became attracted to brain-damaged Rupert – and the most unique and loving friendship was born.
They adored each other – Franzi weighing a paltry 60kgs and literally dwarfed by a bear three times her size, but who was dominated by her from beginning to end. She would flirt and flounce in spring and then walk away when he appeared interested – leaving him to cosy up to a bag full of straw.
In fact, the only times she honoured her love-struck toy boy with anything resembling affection was on the coldest of winter days as she snuggled down next to him to keep her little body warm. The rest of the time she would keep him on his toes and show him exactly who was boss. Here’s a pic that always makes us laugh – Rupert taken off guard by Franzi’s unexpected attentions.
As she continues enjoying her food, other memories come flooding back. I remember her dislike of cherry tomatoes, but her love of playing with them instead.
She had a quirky, endearing habit of carefully clutching them in her clawless paws before raising her arms high, and throwing them over her shoulder. And woe betide Rupert if he came too close in the hope of hoovering up the remains of something she obviously didn’t want. A well aimed thwack on his nose would see him backing off in respect and returning only when she had decided to walk away and leave him to her leftovers.
Finally this afternoon, for dessert, she graciously accepts some peeled green grapes (seedless of course) before being told for the very last time how much she is loved by us all.
Even with constant medication and veterinary care, her abdomen is unnaturally distended and uncomfortable because her heart and lungs are struggling to cope. With 6 litres of fluid drained a few weeks ago, and now filling up again, it is clear that this treatment can’t continue and her quality of life now tells us that it is time for her to go.
So, sleeping under anaesthetic in her final health-check, blissfully unaware that her special care area is as full as it can be, with her family now around her saying goodbye.
No bear since Andrew has commanded so much respect from staff across the sanctuary who have crowded in to hold her paws and say a respectful, tearful farewell – and from staff across the world who remember her only with love.
On Monday I had asked all in Animals Asia if they wanted to send in a few words to bury along with her in her grave – and my email was blocked with messages as they came through. Too many to mention, but tributes such as:
My little bear, you know that you are named after my most beloved dog ever, and you will always have as much space in my heart as him, my special little lad, and I still feel honoured that I was allowed to choose you as my first adopted bear, my choice was clear the moment I heard about you, your awful past, the moment I saw you I knew it had to be you!!
Rest in peace, Franzi. I will never forget you.
Thank you, Franzi, for showing us every day of your life that it is the size of the spirit that matters most.
You have shown people across the world the barbarity of this cruel and heartless industry and also the incredible strength that you and your species have for forgiveness and for embracing a new life.
Franzi – it’s a miracle that you survived after more than 20 years of pain and suffering but you did and you have always been my favourite little bear because you are such a trooper. All your funny little quirks, farty bottom and squat body made us all smile. I wish we could turn back time and have you swap places with the bastard that stole what should have been your best years. What will Rupert do without you. No doubt he will be as heartbroken as the rest of us that we are losing you.
We have been truly blessed to know Franzi’s unquenchable spirit – one that somehow compelled a tiny, battered body to live beyond all reason and beyond all hope.
…a sweet little kiss on this brave old lady’s nose, who taught us so much
about the precious gift of life and love.
I know it aches to say goodbye, but at least she’ll be with Andrew and others who will welcome her to their safe haven in the sky.
It is really sad to hear that the grandma of the sanctuary left us. But you know in China, if a person die after 80s, he will be seen as a blessed person and the family will have a “happy funeral” for him. Though Franzi had suffered a lot of pain in her life, I believe at the end she would say her life is worthy of living.
Dear Franzi
Miss you lots, I loved feeding you dog food.
Love you
All showing a world of people who adored her – our Franzipants, our hot little tart, our teacher, our friend. We've put together a photo album to commemorate the life of our very special bear. Please take a look here.
Rest in peace our darling Franzi, and thank you from your family who loved you to the moon – and back.
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What a fabulous time we had with our friends from Sweden's Animal Protection Network – Monica, Milla and Ulrika – who bounced off the plane in Hong Kong and straight into a Dr Dog visit organised by Marnie and team at Shatin Hospital.
With swine flu at the forefront of everyone’s minds in the hospital community, face masks were the order of the day for visitors, but this didn't stop anyone from having a whole lot of fun throughout the morning – least of all our Dr Dog ambassadors, Kelly and Maisie (who came along with proud owner Alice) and our rescued market dog, “King” Eddie, as Marnie refers to him now in respect of his attitude that the day is all about him.
The girls from Sweden chatted to nurses and patients in a warm and friendly atmosphere as Eddie and friends sat on laps, rolled over for tummy tickles and left everyone in no doubt what animal therapy was all about.
One patient in particular adored the dogs – Mr Chiu who tragically has end-stage lung cancer and is also dealing with the sudden death of his dearly beloved wife.
Such a kind and friendly man who grinned from ear to ear the whole time Eddie sat by his side, Mr Chiu couldn't help reaching out time and time again and scratching Eddie's ears – and I knew it was for people like him that Dr Dog was born.
The next day, Milla, Monica and Ulrika joined me on the flight to Chengdu where they would at last meet the bears and see how their very generous donations had been spent. The days rushed by as the girls got to know our staff and bears and met rescued earthquake dogs, Richter and Tremor.
Tremor joined us on all of the walks around the sanctuary, completely unfazed by the bears who came over for a friendly sniff, clearly fascinated by this little golden “bear” in their midst.
Ulrika had a picture taken outside “her” bear den in House 2 and met all the residents – including Jasper, of course, who graciously accepted some fruit she offered before tearing out to enjoy a swim.
Monica, Milla and Ulrika thank you, and Anna and all from Sweden for being such a big part of the Moon Bear Rescue project – for your tears, your laughter and your great company on site. Where would we be without people like you?
PS: Just before they left, Monica took this wonderful picture of Delaney (left) and Jasper playing the fool and showing how bears really do smile. No prizes for guessing why these charismatic, forgiving bears are loved by people all around the world.
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Our dear friends at Philippine Animals Welfare Society (PAWS) are battling to help families and animals affected by the devastating typhoon and flooding in Manila. This is despite the fact that key members of PAWS were themselves trapped for two days with their rescued animals.
PAWS Director Anna Cabrera says her team is now expecting a flood of animals into their shelter, which is near the worst-hit area and they desperately need cages, pet food, batteries, tents, etc. For the full story and how you can help, please see here.
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The organisers of the Second China International Animal and Nature Film Festival in Ya’an, Sichuan province, invited our China team to join the event, which recognises local and international filmmakers.
Our Veterinary Director, Heather (pictured here), was asked to make a welfare presentation about animals in film, and I was invited to give an award to one of the prize-winners and make a speech at the closing ceremony.
On the last night, it was like a scene out of Hollywood, with thousands of people crowded together in a huge auditorium, together with film crews shooting for live transmission on TV.
Film stars and celebrities walked the red carpet, and three huge video screens encircled the stage, so that those at the back of the auditorium could easily follow the show. It was quite a night, with several productions honoured for their art and professionalism in portraying endangered species, marine mammals and birds.
The prize I awarded went to Geert Droppers for his film about sharks, “Gimme a Hug”.
Of course, besides congratulating Geert on his very unique documentary, it was a perfect opportunity to stress how essential sharks are to our ecosystem, and how tragically virtually every species is suffering, both in terms of welfare and endangerment because of humankind’s lust for their fins.
I had also been asked to mention the pandas, which wasn’t a hard task at all as they are of course one of China’s most well-known and much-loved species. However, our PR manager, Rainbow, and I felt that the opportunity really shouldn’t be missed to mention our beautiful moon bears too – especially as Rainbow made the point that the difference in how pandas are treated, compared with moon bears, is just like heaven and hell.
Using that as the example, I took a deep breath, repeated Rainbow’s words, and asked everyone in the audience to join us in turning the bears’ hell into heaven. I nervously looked around – and saw people smiling - and so were the comperes, Mr Sa and Ms Liu Fangfei, who are famous in China for hosting Central TV's extremely popular "Law Today" show.
Mr Sa surprised us when he seemed to support our work by commenting to the audience that if there was anything happening unfairly to the bears, we should all take it up with his “Law Today”. Another small step perhaps in our fight for freedom.
Now, since the festival, we’ve had several fairly high-profile people in both local and international film and media asking if they can come along and visit the bears – and so the message widens and perhaps our little piece of heaven in Chengdu will convince them to do more.
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What a night it was. Steve and Sue – our fantastic Hong Kong supporters (and adopters of one of our bears rescued in February, now called Bill) – had generously offered to support our Honey Money Days campaign by sponsoring a night of music and fun in China.
David Argyle, generous owner of Shamrock Bar in Chengdu offered his premises without hesitation, throwing in a free buffet and drink at the door so that literally every cent would go to the bears.
Steve and other band members of Village Dogs – founders Greg and Aidan, and singer extraordinaire, Martin Lau – rocked up onto the stage and packed a brilliant performance, filling the bar to the brim. Classic rock, country and ballads gave the audience their money's worth well into the wee small hours.
Our own Animals Asia team overseen by Jacky made sure that merchandise, raffle and auction were flowing and raising yet more necessary funds for the bears.
Here’s a pic of Jacky, holding his beloved “Transformer” (bought in 1985), which he has offered to auction off at a future event to raise money for the bears. Thank you Jacky for your kindness.
MCs Graham and Emily (aided by Mark) continued to keep the audience happily digging deeper into pockets – and here I have to say an extra thank you to long-time friends of Animals Asia in Chengdu, who gave so selflessly, as they always do. You know who you are.
And of course Jean, Susan, Toby and Eleanor, and photographer Momo who so generously gave of their time – and you lovely people who donated prizes - thank you.
Towards the end of the evening Martin saved a surprise and gave the performance of his life featuring two of my favourite singers – and giving Rod and Bruce a run for their money – with his own rendition of “Maggie May” and “Born to Run”. Priceless.
Steve and Sue you are legends (these guys even asked their wedding guests to donate to the moon bears in lieu of gifts) – thank you from Bill, Jasper (of course) and Rosie/Mani and the rest of the bears for topping up the honey pot and helping to give them – and more to come – the lives and freedom they love.
Everyone else out there who is also creating, devising, even considering, events and contributions to boost our Honey Money Days coffers for new bear dens, thank you too – from us all.
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