In January, we received the long-awaited news that our Vietnam Bear Rescue Center had been saved from the threat of eviction that had hung over it since October 5, 2012. If carried out, the order would have seen all 104 bears living at the center forced to return to cages while a new facility was built. Following a massive campaign to save the sanctuary that gained the support of celebrities, politicians and thousands of supporters internationally, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung concluded that the rescue center’s operation should be maintained, and work to expand the sanctuary should continue as planned. Among those who made their voices heard in opposition to the eviction were several US senators and Academy Award-nominated actress Ali MacGraw. The decision ensures that the bears will be able to remain in their peaceful sanctuary.

On a chilly January day, six moon bears arrived at our China sanctuary, having been rescued from an illegal bile farm.  Now named Mac, Xuan Xuan, Katie, Peter (for Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan), Shamrock, and Buddha, all of the bears displayed the outer signs of their incarceration, including dry, cracked paws and bad teeth from bar biting. Health checks would reveal even more damage. The six bears have since had their diseased gallbladders removed and are receiving a bounty of care and delicious foods as they move down the road to recovery. Hearing that one of the bears was named for him, Peter Egan flew from the UK to visit the bears in person. He commented, “It’s hard to imagine, not just the confinement, but also the sheer pain they were living with day by day.” He added, “As each bear recovered from surgery and was thoroughly spoilt by staff you could see them slowly recovering from living with that pain and see their personalities starting to shine through.”

In recent months, Animals Asia has been privileged to have American volunteer veterinarian Sebastian Gordon working at our China and Vietnam sanctuaries, helping to treat both rescued bears and some of the on-site dogs with lameness issues. Hailing from Bethesda, MD, in China, Sebastian worked with a number of bears, including Limpit who had an elbow wound, and Johanna who was experiencing serious dental problems. Both are now healing. In Vietnam, Sebastian performed surgery on Eugi, who is around 10 years of age. As a cub, Eugi was attacked by a dog in the groin area. The scarring he suffered from the injury had prevented him from being able to fully extend his hind right leg. Sebastian helped perform a surgery in which the scar tissue was removed, which will hopefully allow Eugi to extend his leg again.

Animal Welfare Director Dave Neale oversees Animals Asia’s programs in China to improve the welfare of captive animals, develop animal welfare concepts within the veterinary teaching curriculum, and develop humane education initiatives in Hong Kong and mainland China schools. Dave says the greatest achievement so far has been the publication of a report on animal performances in Chinese zoos and safari parks in 2010 which led to a ministerial directive banning the use of animals in circus performances in Chinese state run zoos. Dave has seen a great deal of positive change since joining the Animals Asia team in 2002. He says, “Over the years the team has developed professionally and Animals Asia is now seen as a leading organization developing animal welfare education and promoting animal welfare principles within China. Through our work… we are building support from the public and the government for the implementation of animal protection legislation within China.”

Animals Asia’s Boston Volunteer Group will be hosting a one-night-only screening of the stunning documentary “Cages of Shame” on Saturday, February 23 at The Somerville Theater in Somerville, MA (near Boston). The film is a revelatory account of Animals Asia’s rescue of 10 bears from a bile farm in China. Directed by Martin Guinness and featuring narration by Emmy Award-winning actor Peter Coyote, the emotional tale of success against all odds was the winner of the Humane Society of the United States 2011 ACE Documentary Film Grant. The premiere was organized by Animals Asia volunteer and Somerville resident Mary Robles, who has been a supporter of the organization for 10 years. Complimentary vegan refreshments will be served at 7PM, with the film beginning at 7:30PM. Seating is limited, so please arrive early.

“Cages of Shame” Boston, MA premiere
Saturday, February 23, 2013
7PM Doors open / Reception with complimentary vegan refreshments
7:30PM “Cages of Shame” screening

The Somerville Theater
(617) 625-5700
55 Davis Square
Somerville, MA

$10 Suggested donation upon entry
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.