Jane Goodall’s legacy lives on through Robinson bear

Animals Asia is deeply honoured to share that Dr. Jane Goodall DBE – one of the world’s most influential conservationists and a long-time supporter of our work – became the guardian of a rescued moon bear in 2024.

This news was originally planned for announcement earlier this year, but following Jane’s recent passing, we share it now in heartfelt tribute to her life and legacy.

Jane’s relationship with Animals Asia stretches back to almost our very beginnings. When Jane visited our first bear sanctuary in China in 2005,met Jill, our team and bears and joined a health check on a gently sleeping bear.  Since then, in a friendship between the two women, Jane continued offering the encouragement and conviction that continued bringing Animals Asia to life.

In a beautiful act of kindness, when Jane was invited to name her bear, she chose Robinson, honouring Jill’s extraordinary work as a fellow animal rights campaigner.

Robinson the bear was rescued from a bile farm where she had suffered extensive trauma, including the loss of her left front paw and most of her left hind paw.

When she arrived at our sanctuary, she lay unmoving in her cage – exhausted, fearful and in pain.

But after specialist veterinary care, a nutritious diet and dedicated rehabilitation, Robinson has blossomed into a healthy, joyful bear who now spends her days roaming the grass, exploring the playground, and relaxing with her best bear friend, Manu.

Following Jane’s passing, the Jane Goodall Institute has generously committed to continuing Robinson’s guardianship in Jane’s name. This ensures that Jane’s spirit – her belief in hope, her compassion for all living beings, and her lifelong dedication to a kinder world – will continue to support the very animals she cared so deeply about.

Animals Asia is proud to honour Jane Goodall’s legacy through Robinson, a bear whose new life reflects everything Jane worked for: healing, freedom and the transformative power of kindness.