Three bears rescued as another province becomes bear bile free

Three moon bears, now named Ocean, Rain and River have been safely rescued to begin a new chapter of recovery at our sanctuary in Bach Ma National Park.

Their rescue marks a powerful double milestone. It brings the total number of bears rescued by Animals Asia in Vietnam to 300 and means Thai Nguyen Province is now officially free of captive bears.

A Historic Rescue

The first bear to be rescued was Ocean, the last captive bile bear in Thai Nguyen Province. An elderly female, estimated to be over 20 years old, Ocean has spent more than two decades confined to a small cage. Her world was limited to steel bars and concrete. Her rescue marks the end of the bear bile industry in the province — a significant step forward in Vietnam’s journey to end bear bile farming. For those who have followed her story, the moment was deeply emotional.

Nguyen Thuy Huong, a Forest Protection Officer who had monitored Ocean’s case for 18 years, was visibly moved as the final cage was opened explains “I am deeply moved that the final bear I have followed throughout my career has reached such a positive conclusion,” she said. “The cooperation and goodwill of local people have been key to helping Thai Nguyen officially become free of captive bears.”

Ocean’s name reflects the many people who helped secure her freedom. Just as an ocean is made up of countless drops of water, her rescue was only possible through the collective efforts of many individuals. 

Rain and River begin their journey

Later that same day, rescue teams travelled to Hanoi, where two more more moon bears which Animals Asia named Rain and River were waiting.

Like Ocean, these two elderly male moon bears were both were voluntarily surrendered by their owners, reflecting the continued progress being made across Vietnam to bring this cruel industry to an end. The decision to transport River and Ocean together with Rain was carefully planned to ensure the highest standards of veterinary care and welfare for all three bears. Veterinary teams travel with the bears on the long journey making regular stops to monitor their health and ensure they remain comfortable.

We are a step closer to ending bear bile farming

This rescue is part of a much bigger picture. When Vietnam’s bear registration program began in 2005, more than 4,300 bears were held in captivity. Today, fewer than 140 remain in Vietnam. Each rescue is another step closer to ending bear bile farming and freeing captive bears.

Life-changing moment of freedom

The bears have arrived at Bach Ma and have begun a quarantine period before slowly transitioning into larger, semi‑natural enclosures. For bears who have spent years in cages, these first moments of freedom can be life‑changing. They are able to behave like bears for maybe the first time in their lives.

With every bear brought home, we move one step closer to a future where no bears are left behind.