Moon bear behind bars with its arm outstretched in an arm hold as a bear carer feeds them fruit and another wraps a blood pressure sleeve around its arm.

Cooperative Care – a life of choice and trust

At Animals Asia, healing goes beyond medicine. Our pioneering Cooperative Care program is built on trust, choice, and connection.

It’s a gentle, science-backed approach that empowers bears to actively participate in their own care – transforming fear into trust, and trauma into healing.

Why it matters

These bears have survived unimaginable cruelty. Many arrived at our sanctuaries terrified of human contact.

Cooperative Care rebuilds their confidence, fosters emotional resilience, and reduces the need for anaesthesia and restraint – lowering stress and improving long-term health.

What Cooperative Care looks like

  • Allowing for palpation of various body parts
  • Application of heat and ice packs, ointments and other topical medications
  • Wound cleaning

 

When an animal willingly performs a desired behaviour, they receive something rewarding, creating a sense of trust and collaboration between them and their caregiver.

Sarah van Herpt Veterinary and Behavioural Husbandry Services Director