About Jill Robinson

Founder and CEO, Animals Asia

For more than 30 years, Jill Robinson has devoted her life to protecting some of the world’s most vulnerable animals.

As the founder and CEO of Animals Asia, she is widely recognised as the world’s leading expert on bear bile farming and one of the pioneering voices working to end this cruel industry.

Jill founded Animals Asia in 1998 to transform how animals are treated across Asia. From rescuing bears trapped on bile farms to working to end elephant riding in tourism and campaigning to bring an end to the dog and cat meat trades, her work has helped create a growing movement rooted in compassion and respect for animals and people alike.

Under Jill’s leadership, Animals Asia has rescued hundreds of animals from traumatic situations and improved the welfare of – and attitudes towards – countless others across Asia and beyond.

The moment it all began

In 1993, Jill was invited to tour a bear bile farm while working in Asia.

Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw that day.

Row after row of Asiatic black bears – also known as moon bears – trapped in cages barely larger than their bodies. They could not stand, turn or lie comfortably. Their bellies were raw, their eyes dull with pain, and their spirits broken by years of confinement and repeated bile extraction.

And then, from behind the cold metal bars, a paw reached out to Jill – slowly, deliberately.

Not in aggression.
Not in fear.
But in need of connection. 

In the bears’ eyes she saw not just suffering, but also hope. That moment changed Jill’s life forever. 

Jill named the bear ‘Hong’. Though she never saw her again, a fierce determination was ignited in Jill’s heart and she made a promise to Hong that she would dedicate her life to ending bear bile farming and promoting kindness towards animals across Asia.

Five years later, Animals Asia was born.

Shining light on a dark industry

At the time, bear bile farming was a little-known industry outside Asia.

Tens of thousands of bears were kept on farms across the region, trapped in cages for decades. Few people understood the scale of suffering involved.

But Jill believed that change was possible.

With determination, compassion and an extraordinary ability to build partnerships, she began working with governments, communities and supporters around the world to expose the reality of bear bile farming and create a different future for these bears.

Over the years, Animals Asia has rescued hundreds of bears across Asia, caring for them at our world-class sanctuaries. Here they experience grass beneath their paws, fresh air, expert care and the companionship of other bears – for the first time in their lives.

Most arrive frightened, weak, ill and traumatised. But with patience and kindness they slowly begin to heal.

These moments of recovery are at the heart of Jill’s life’s work.

Jane Goodall, inspiration and friend to Jill

The late legendary conservationist Dr Jane Goodall was a close friend and mentor to Jill.

Like Jane, Jill belongs to a generation of women who have helped reshape how the world sees animals – demonstrating that animals think and feel and deserve our compassion.

Jane’s example has long inspired Jill’s work and her belief that meaningful change for animals comes through patience, understanding and perseverance.

Building a kinder world for animals

While rescuing bears from bile farms remains central to Animals Asia’s work, Jill’s vision is to create lasting change for animals across the region.

Under her leadership, Animals Asia works tirelessly to end the exploitation of wildlife in tourism – campaigning to end elephant riding and the use of improve the lives of captive animals. 

The organisation is also working to end the dog and cat meat trades, helping communities move towards kinder alternatives that protect animals.

Animals Asia also trains animal welfare professionals, veterinarians and animal carers across the region in groundbreaking approaches to care and welfare. By sharing knowledge and expertise, the organisation is helping build a kinder future for animals far beyond its own sanctuaries.

Through all of this work runs a simple belief: animals deserve to be understood, respected and protected.

A pioneer for animals in Asia

Long before founding Animals Asia, Jill was already helping people see animals differently.

In 1991, with her beloved canine companion Max she launched Dr Dog, the first animal-assisted therapy program in Asia.

And ever since, registered tail-wagging ambassadors have been going into hospitals, care homes and rehabilitation centres, giving comfort and bringing joy to thousands of adults and children.

This groundbreaking initiative has brought comfort to hundreds of thousands of people, while showcasing the healing power of the human–animal bond and gently challenging cultural perceptions of animals.

A lifetime of tireless dedication

Over the years Jill’s pioneering work has earned international respect and recognition, including an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for her services to animal welfare in Asia.

But for Jill, the greatest reward has always been seeing traumatised animals begin to heal.

Watching a bear step onto grass for the first time after years in a cage, an elephant finally free from tourist rides, or a terrified dog saved from a truck bound for a meat market is what keeps her working tirelessly to prove that compassion can, and does, change lives.

Hope for the future

Jill often says that the work of protecting animals is never truly finished. But she believes deeply in the power of collaboration – in what people can achieve when they come together with a shared vision.

From that single moment of connection with Hong over 30 years ago, a global movement for animals has grown. 

And thanks to the kindness and dedication of thousands of supporters around the world, the future for animals across Asia continues to move towards greater protection, understanding and compassion.