Asiatic black bear stands alert on grassy ground, surrounded by bamboo and greenery in a sanctuary setting.

Bear care

Healing for life

Every bear rescued by Animals Asia begins a new life the moment they arrive at their sanctuary home. Some are terrified cubs, others – from bile farms – carry physical and emotional scars from years of mistreatment. 

These bears are individuals, with distinct personalities, histories, and needs. That’s why we tailor every aspect of their care – from medical treatment to socialisation – to give them the best chance of healing and thriving.

From rescue to recovery

Quarantine and first steps

All rescued bears begin sanctuary life with a minimum 30-day quarantine. This vital phase ensures the safety of other residents and gives our teams time to assess each bear’s physical and psychological health. 

It’s also a period of adjustment. Many bears have lived in solitary confinement for years and need time to absorb the sanctuary’s new sounds, smells and routines, and get used to their fellow residents and the people who’ll be looking after them.

During quarantine, our carers begin a gentle desensitisation process. Puzzle feeders, toys and new foods spark curiosity and provide distraction while everyday sanctuary noises and movements are carried out to show the bears they have nothing to fear. Once a bear has settled in, they receive their first full health check.

Sanctuary staff member feeds an Asiatic black bear through the bars of a red enclosure.
Asiatic black bear stands in a red cage, wet from water, with its paw resting on the bars.
Caregiver feeds an Asiatic black bear through the bars of a red transport cage at a sanctuary.
Veterinary team performs a medical procedure on an Asiatic black bear lying on an examination table.

Expert medical care

Health checks often uncover the grim legacy of bile farming: damaged gall bladders, broken teeth, mobility issues, blindness. Our expert veterinary and behavioural teams respond with tailored care – from surgery to long-term medications, physiotherapy and special diets.

The bears are regularly monitored through tests, X-rays, bloodwork and more. Treatment continues throughout their lives, guided by their evolving needs.

A caretaker in green uniform feeds a bear inside a metal cage using tongs, with cleaning supplies on the wet floor nearby.
Vet team performing a surgery on a bear.
A moon bear in an enclosure reaches up to interact with a hanging orange enrichment toy.
A bear in a cage receives a medical check while being fed fruit treats through the bars by a caretaker.

New homes and friends

After quarantine, bears move to large dens. Each den has hammocks, beds, enrichment items like toys and natural browse, and small pools so they can build muscle and mobility as they explore. The dens are connected by sliding doors so they can meet other bears for the first time in a safe, secure and comfortable way. 

From here, most are gradually and carefully introduced to other bears. In the wild, bears communicate with each other and gather where there are plentiful resources, so keeping them in groups at our sanctuaries can enable them to socialise as they might naturally. Long-term relationships can be extremely therapeutic for rescued bears, and many form deep bonds.

An Asian black bear climbs a tree, surrounded by lush green foliage, looking down from between the branches.
Two sun bears play together on a tire swing in a grassy area, one bear lying back with its paws in the air.
Two Asian black bears sit on a wooden platform while another bear relaxes in a hammock below, inside an enclosure.
A black-and-white bear covered in soap sits in a metal tub, enjoying a bath outdoors on a grassy lawn.

First steps to freedom

Stepping outside into their sanctuary enclosure is a huge milestone in every rescued bear’s journey. 

For many, it’s the first time in decades – or in their entire lives – that they’ve stood on natural ground, felt the sun on their fur, or seen the sky beyond cage bars. Some bears charge out with curiosity, others pause, tentatively, and sit and take it all in. 

However bears react in this epic moment, it’s always incredibly powerful and moving for the supporters and staff who helped make it possible.

Specialised, lifelong care

Cubs

At our Vietnam sanctuary, each cub is hand-reared with round-the-clock care. Bottle feeding, early weaning support, and tailored enrichment help them grow into confident young bears.

They’re gradually introduced to solid foods and, ideally, paired with a playmate. As they grow more independent, our team supports their journey toward a full and enriching sanctuary life.

An Asian black bear lies comfortably on its back in a hammock, surrounded by lush greenery and wooden posts.
Two sun bears cuddle together on a tire, one bear looking relaxed and smiling in a grassy enclosure.
An Asian black bear stands on a log outdoors with a decorated box, surrounded by trees and foliage.
Three Asian black bears interact and relax together in a shallow pool surrounded by green grass in their enclosure.

Elderly bears

Many bears are rescued in their later years or grow old in our care. These senior bears receive personalised support for age-related issues like arthritis and sight loss. We adapt dens with ramps, non-slip floors and low beds. The bears live together in peaceful ‘retirement’, with constant monitoring for comfort and quality of life.

Older bears often need more frequent vet checks, ongoing pain relief, and adjusted exercise routines. Their comfort comes first – whether that’s softer spaces to sleep, calmer companions or easier access to food and water. Every measure is taken to help them age with dignity, enjoy each day, and live life to the fullest for the rest of their lives.

Two Asian black bears rest close together in the grass, one bear leaning its head on the other’s back.
Sun bear sits in the grass, eating fruit in an outdoor enclosure with greenery in the background.
Asian black bear climbs and hugs tall wooden logs in a green outdoor enclosure.
Asian black bear stands playing with a large wooden spool swing in a grassy outdoor enclosure.

Bears with disabilities

Some bears arrive with missing limbs, blindness or mobility issues from snares and confinement. Their care requires special attention: physiotherapy, adapted enclosures, weight management and extra observation. We ensure these survivors live with dignity and as much independence as possible.

Every bear’s challenges are different. Some require modified feeding routines, softer bedding, or extra supervision in outdoor areas. Our team continuously adapts environments and routines to ensure every bear can explore, play and relax safely, with confidence and comfort.

 

Asian black bear lounges comfortably on hanging rubber tires in an outdoor play area with grass.
Two brown bears stand in a pool, holding leafy greens while water splashes around them on a sunny day.
Asian black bear chews on a rope-wrapped wooden bar with hanging rubber tires in a grassy outdoor area.
Asian black bear interacts with a blue enrichment toy suspended by orange straps in a grassy enclosure.

Enrichment and nutrition

Every bear receives a tailored diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and protein, supporting both health and natural foraging behaviours. Enrichment – from puzzle feeders to hidden treats – keeps their minds sharp, their bodies moving, and their spirits high.

Cooperative care: healing with trust

We don’t just care for the bears – we care with them. Our Cooperative Care Program allows bears to participate in their own health routines, through trust-building training based on positive reinforcement.

They learn to enter weigh cages, allow blood draws, or open their mouths on cue. This not only strengthens the bond between bears and carers, it allows us to perform regular checks without the need to anaesthetise the bears every time which can be stressful and risky for them.

All training is adapted to the individual bear. Each session is guided by what the bear is ready for, not what we want them to do.

A caretaker in a green shirt feeds an Asian black bear through the bars of a metal enclosure at an animal rescue center.
Bear carer Hiep helping Grace who is blind to communicate

A day in the life of a rescued bear

Waking in a cosy den, foraging for hidden breakfast treats, playing with friends, splashing in pools, and dozing in the sun – this is a typical day for a rescued bear at our sanctuaries. Bears who once knew only pain and isolation.

Thanks to your support, these incredible animals are finally receiving compassionate care and living the lives they deserve.