Moon bear finds joy at sanctuary after 27 years in cage

When moon bear Sen arrived at our sanctuary earlier this year, he carried the weight of 27 years spent in a cage.

He was malnourished, missing part of his tongue, suffering with painful dental problems, and burdened by a large, itchy mass on his back — just some of the brutal legacies of bear bile farming.

Yet despite everything, this little bear radiated love. He greeted his new life with curiosity, playfulness, and an appetite for absolutely everything!

Since we shared Sen’s rescue story, there have been big changes — and even bigger smiles.

Settling in with style

In his first weeks at the sanctuary, Sen’s joy was contagious. He tucked into every meal with gusto and delighted in his new enrichment toys.

Our bear team quickly learned that Sen is the kind of bear who says yes to life — yes to food, yes to toys, yes to hammocks and hosepipe showers!

Healing inside and out

In June, Sen had a full health check. Our vets found that the large mass on his back had begun to respond to medication, drying out and reducing in size. But there were other concerns too: impacted canines causing gum inflammation, two fractured incisors, and bacterial contamination in his bile — a direct result of the cruelty he endured.

We removed his broken teeth to relieve the pain, and we’re now managing his dental issues and bile infection with daily medication (disguised in banana and syrup, of course — his favourite). He’ll soon see a dental specialist to ensure his gums continue to heal comfortably.

From cage to community

And in August the moment we’d all been waiting for finally arrived — Sen’s first ever steps into the big enclosure.

Together with his new friends Rizzo and Smokey, Sen finally felt grass under his feet and sunshine on his back.

True to form, he was the first to step outside and the last to go back in — splashing in the pool, exploring the trees, and smiling the entire time.

Sen’s story is still unfolding

There’s still a long way to go. The trauma Sen endured for nearly three decades won’t vanish overnight. But every day, this remarkable bear is choosing joy. He’s choosing to trust. And he’s showing us — and the world — just how deeply moon bears feel, forgive, and flourish.

Sen’s story is your story too. It’s your kindness that gave him this second chance. And with your continued support, we can bring more bears like Sen out of darkness and into the light.