Our story

Animals Asia began with a simple but powerful belief: that animals deserve kindness, compassion and a life free from suffering.

Since Jill Robinson founded Animals Asia in 1998, we’ve worked to protect animals across Asia – rescuing those in need, building world-class sanctuaries and working alongside governments and communities to create lasting change.

What started as a small organisation with a seemingly impossible mission has grown into an international charity transforming the lives of animals across the region.

Today, Animals Asia works across China, Vietnam and beyond to end cruelty, improve animal welfare and inspire a more compassionate world.

The beginning

The seeds of Animals Asia were planted in the early 1990s, when Jill Robinson encountered the reality of bear bile farming for the first time.

At the time, the practice was largely unknown outside Asia. Thousands of bears were kept on farms in tiny cages while their bile was extracted for use in traditional medicine.

What followed was the beginning of a determined campaign to expose the suffering behind the industry and find compassionate solutions.

In 1998, Animals Asia was founded with a mission to end bear bile farming and protect animals from cruelty across Asia.

Building a movement for animals

From the beginning, Animals Asia has taken a collaborative approach to animal protection – working with governments, communities, veterinarians and animal welfare groups to create change that lasts.

Our work focuses on rescuing animals in need, improving welfare standards and helping people see animals differently.

Over the years, our mission has expanded beyond bears to address some of the most pressing animal welfare challenges in Asia, including:

• Ending bear bile farming

• Improving the welfare of captive wildlife

• Ending elephant riding for tourism

• Protecting cats and dogs from the meat trade

• Training veterinarians and animal carers across the region

By combining rescue, sanctuary, education and policy change, we’re helping build a future where animals are treated with the respect they deserve.

Sanctuary, rescue and healing

One of the most visible parts of Animals Asia’s work is rescuing animals from situations of extreme cruelty and giving them the chance to heal.

Since our first bear rescue in 2000, hundreds of bears have been brought to safety at our award-winning sanctuaries in China and Vietnam.

Many arrive frightened, injured and traumatised after years in cages. With patience, expert care and kindness, they slowly begin to rediscover what it means to feel safe.

At our sanctuaries, rescued bears can finally experience grass beneath their paws, fresh air, proper nutrition and the companionship of other bears.

These moments of recovery remind us why our work matters.