The campaign to save 23 moon bears in Halong City has received a boost as a government ministry appeared to back Animals Asia's request to be allowed to rescue the bears.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has instructed the Quang Ninh People's Committee to work towards a solution that would see the 23 endangered animals transferred to Animals Asia's Bear Rescue Centre in nearby Tam Dao.

Animals Asia's Vietnam Director, Tuan Bendixsen, said:

"This would appear to be a qualified breakthrough – but it doesn't mean the bears' rescue is imminent and that's what we need. MARD's apparent decision has put the ball back in the court of the local authorities and we now have to do everything we can to make sure that they bring the situation to a speedy conclusion. Any delay is likely to result in more casualties."

Any future decision is likely to be taken with the input of all parties – a fact that adds further confusion to the potential timeline for a rescue.

At the same time, an investigation team, featuring representatives from the central Forest Protection Department, the Nature Conservation Department and CITES are due to begin its investigation today.

Animals Asia founder and CEO, Jill Robinson MBE, said:

"This breakthrough is because of the publicity that has surrounded this issue. The pressure from animal lovers across the world has forced action, and we should treat this as encouragement that the pressure is taking effect. We are closer to where we want to be but we still need a clear mandate to be able to take the bears. That is yet to happen, and every moment of delay puts these endangered animals at further risk."

"We're doing everything we can right now to speed up the process and ask that supporters do too, by not letting this issue go away. Without our campaign all of these bears would almost certainly be dead – yet more invisible victims of a cruel industry. The actions of supporters around the world shone a spotlight on the suffering of these animals – those lights must stay on."

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