Asiatic black bear sitting upright in a pool with green grass in the background. Bear looking towards camera, with partial crescent visible on chest.

Bears | Rescues | Vietnam

Bear who arrived infected and balding is now ready for his close up

When moon bear Bärli arrived at our sanctuary in 2010, he was a sight for sore eyes, but now he’s a “model” bear.

Poor Bärli was transferred to Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre in 2010 and sanctuary vets worked hard to find a solution to his chronic skin infection.

When he arrived he was almost bald. The disease had affected most of his body leaving the skin mottled and smelling of infection.

Asiatic black bear, almost bald, lying on his back in a cage with green bars.
Two Asiatic black bears in water, one sideways to camera on the left, one facing camera with his tongue out and his feet poking up from the water.
Asiatic black bear with thick black fur, standing in grass facing towards the left.

Thankfully, after intensive testing and trialling a number of medications, vets were finally able to come up with a method to control the issue.

Today, Bärli proudly sports a gorgeous coat. The previous infection can still surface now and then between his toes – and remnants are visible under his arms – but the constant irritation and pain is over as vets have learned to manage the condition.

Asiatic black bear lying on his back on a bamboo hammock, feet in the air, holding a branch with leaves, partially turned towards the camera.

Animals Asia Vietnam Bear and Vet Team Director said:

“To see Bärli reclining so comfortably on a sanctuary swing is a real joy. The photos show just how good his coat is now – he has blossomed into such a handsome bear! Remnants of his skin issues can still be seen on his upper arms especially close to the armpit, but overall he is unrecognisable from the bald bear who first arrived here six years ago.”

Happy #MoonBearMonday everyone!