Asiatic black bear stands on sunlit grass near a tire and white fence, appearing alert in a sanctuary setting.

Vietnam Bear Sanctuary, Bach Ma

The end is in sight for bear bile farming in Vietnam

Following a historic agreement with the Vietnamese government to end bear bile farming, we built our third sanctuary in Bach Ma National Park for the industry’s last surviving bears. 

Although still under construction, the sanctuary is already operational, with rescued bears living free from fear and cruelty. And as we continue to build, we’re also shaping a future without bear bile farming in Vietnam.

Rebuilding lives with expert care

The sanctuary features spacious, semi-natural enclosures connected to cosy dens – giving rescued bears the freedom to roam, climb, swim and rest. A quarantine zone enables new arrivals to be safely assessed, while our state-of-the-art veterinary hospital delivers expert medical care tailored to each bear’s needs.

Rescue team in blue uniforms transports a bear in a red metal cage at a wildlife sanctuary.
Two Asiatic black bears walk along a concrete path next to a sanctuary building.
Spacious sanctuary field with trees, rocks, and a pond under a bright blue sky.
Caregiver feeds a bear inside a red Animals Asia transport cage at a rescue facility.

The bear necessities

There’s also a specialist bear kitchen where nutritious meals tailored to the bears’ individual needs, are prepared daily. From infrastructure to enrichment, everything at Bach Ma has been built to offer world-class bear care.

Aerial view of a wildlife sanctuary with green-roofed buildings nestled among lush mountains and forests.
Caregiver feeds an Asiatic black bear through the bars of a secure indoor enclosure.
Modern bear enclosure with hammocks, enrichment toys, and plants under natural skylight.
Green sanctuary grounds with trees, pond, and animal care buildings set against forested hills.

Quick facts about our Bach Ma sanctuary

  • Located in Bach Ma National Park, central Vietnam
  • Covers 12.7 hectares
  • 34 spacious dens and 4 expansive outdoor enclosures
  • Veterinary hospital, quarantine zone and bear kitchen
  • Entirely run by Vietnamese staff
  • Capacity: 120 bears
  • First residents: Buzz, Armstrong and Apollo.

Meet Armstrong

Along with Buzz, Armstrong was the first resident at our Bach Ma sanctuary. After 20 years languishing on a bile farm, Buzz and Armstrong's days are now filled with freedom and happines.

Read Armstrong's story