Disabled and elderly bears

Some bears come to our sanctuaries blind, missing limbs, or unable to walk after years trapped in tiny cages. Others arrive in their later years, their bodies worn but their spirits still strong.

At Animals Asia, we adapt every part of sanctuary life – from enclosures to enrichment – so that every bear, no matter their age or ability, can move, rest and play in comfort.

This includes:

Many elderly and disabled bears also benefit from our physiotherapy program, which uses play-based exercises to ease stiffness, rebuild muscle, and restore confidence.

Helping blind bears find their way

Bears rely far more on smell and hearing than sight, which means blind bears adapt remarkably well to sanctuary life. Their sense of smell is thousands of times stronger than ours, allowing them to navigate their world with ease.

When a blind bear first arrives, our carers use scent and sound to help them learn their surroundings:

• Safe scent cues (such as gentle essential oils) mark paths and key landmarks

• Clove oil is used only on fence lines, teaching blind bears to associate that smell with boundaries

• Trainers use familiar sounds – gentle voices, clapping, or footsteps – to help the bear follow and orient themselves.

Once they know their environment, blind bears move confidently, play, and form strong social bonds. They live rich, independent lives – experiencing the world through scent, sound, and touch.

Whether a bear is blind, disabled or elderly, every individual in our care is treated with compassion, creativity and love.

Our sanctuaries are places of healing – where broken bodies recover, spirits thrive, and bears can finally live the peaceful lives they always deserved.