Dawn’s incredible healing journey

When we rescued Dawn from a bear bile farm in Phung Thuong, she had endured nearly two decades of confinement and isolation. What she displayed on arrival was a textbook case of learned helplessness – a psychological shutdown where there is no hope, curiosity… even fear.

Every day, carers found her curled up in the corner of her cage, back turned, motionless. Even the smallest sounds would send her into a complete shutdown. She also exhibited intense, compulsive head swaying which we couldn’t ease her from, even with the tastiest treats or most soothing voices.

We feared we’d never get through to her.

Dawn’s recovery would be slow, and it would take an innovative, multi-faceted approach, but we would never give up.

A careful start: gentle desensitisation

From her first days in quarantine, Dawn’s carers began a desensitisation plan.

Small sounds that triggered her – like a cage door sliding – were reintroduced carefully while carers reinforced her with soothing voices and favourite treats. Movements were made slowly. Reinforcement was timed to calm responses. Each session built on the last, never pushing further until she was ready.

The turning point came when Dawn, during one of these sessions, chose not to freeze or sway but instead reached to her carer for a piece of banana. It was small – but it meant everything.

Small wins, big meaning

With time, Dawn began to sit upright, show interest in her surroundings, and even focus on her carers. She responded to cooperative care training, began entering her transport cage voluntarily, and engaged with enrichment activities.

Some noises or changes still triggered brief setbacks, but her recovery became quicker each time. The team documented her progress, amazed at how far she’d come so quickly.

A new beginning

Today, Dawn is still healing. But she is no longer the bear who curled into a ball at the sound of footsteps. She plays. She explores. She trusts.

Her journey is one of patience, compassion and emotional resilience — not just from her, but from every carer who walked with her, every step of the way.