A happy looking moon bear lies in lush grass facing the camera.

September 25, 2017Bears

Brave bear Kay finds healing and friendship

Kay had suffered terribly on a bile farm in Quang Ninh, Vietnam.

Years of confinement left her almost bald, her joints aching, and her eyes in constant pain. Yet when rescuers arrived, this small but spirited moon bear stepped forward bravely, even calming the frightened bears beside her.

At Animals Asia’s sanctuary, vets discovered arthritis, damaged teeth from bar biting, and painful eyelashes curling into her eyes. Surgery brought her relief, and with treatment her fur began to grow back. For the first time, she could rest in comfort, snuggled into the extra nesting materials her carers provided.

Spring brought new hope. Kay had started to show signs of friendship with Autumn in the neighbouring den. Rescued a month later, Autumn had faced her own battles but she too was ready to continue her rehabilitation. When the door between the two was opened they were free to meet… and the two hit it off immediately!

Kay and Autumn met in a safe space as their carers looked on to make sure everything went smoothly - which to our delight, it did!

Kay has shown such patience and trust as we treated her ailments. Making friends is her next step - and she has taken it bravely, as ever.

A skinny, bald moon bear stands up in a dark cage.
A woman in Animlals Asia tshirt feeds a moon bear through a cage with a spoon.
A moon bear sleeps on a wooden structure in a grassy enclosure.

Kay and Autumn have since moved outside and spend their days resting, playing, foraging and climbing in their semi-wild enclosure.

Kay’s resilience embodies the hope of every bear rescued from bile farms: a chance to heal, to play, and to live in peace at last.