Another Vietnamese province becomes bear bile farming free
We’re delighted to share that another precious moon bear has arrived at our sanctuary in Vietnam’s Bach Ma National Park.
Misa, a female Asiatic black bear who has spent over 25 years in captivity, was voluntarily handed over to Animals Asia by her owner after months of negotiation and advocacy efforts. Her rescue marks an important milestone with the province she came from, Da Nang, becoming the 22nd region of Vietnam that is now bear bile farming-free.
Welcome home, Misa
After eating a belly-full of yummy treats and getting a quick health check from our vets, Misa arrived safely at our Bach Ma sanctuary with her rescue team. She will spend her first 30 days in our quarantine area, where her dedicated carers will provide her with all the care and support she needs during this delicate transition period.
Like many bears rescued from the bile trade, Misa carries the physical and psychological signs of a life lived in captivity. She is missing all the digits on her left front paw and has several old scars on her feet, along with thickened paw pads.
Years of being fed a poor diet have also left her with severe dental problems, and our vets have identified a potential issue with her gallbladder – extremely common in bears from bile farms – that may require surgery.
Before her rescue, Misa endured decades of captivity. For many years her bile was reportedly extracted on a monthly basis, a painful practice that leaves lasting physical and psychological scars.
In later years she remained confined in a cage as an exotic “pet”, spending roughly a decade watching the world pass by from behind bars. For more than 25 years, Misa lived without the space to roam, forage, or express the simple natural behaviours that define a bear’s life.
Misa settles in
Despite everything she has endured, Misa is already beginning to settle into her new surroundings. Her carers report that she is adapting well and getting used to her new diet of vibrant, fresh, nutritious foods.
She has also shown great curiosity about the enrichment activities prepared for her, carefully observing and exploring each new item placed in her enclosure.
Becoming a bear again
One of Misa’s favourite things to do is playing with the branches her carers offer her. She spends hours chewing and interacting with them – simple behaviours that reflect the natural instincts she was never able to express during her years of captivity.
Seeing these moments of curiosity and play is so special, and we can’t wait to see how Misa adapts, grows and blossoms over the next weeks, months and years at her new forever home.
Another step towards a bear bile farming-free Vietnam
Misa’s rescue was the result of sustained collaborative efforts, demonstrating the quiet power of patience, compassion and cooperation, and is another step towards a bear bile farming-free Vietnam.
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