Asiatic black bear walking through a sunlit outdoor enclosure, with a log and greenery in the foreground.

Smudge

Born into captivity, raised with love

In 2013, a bear bile farmer in Nanning, China decided he no longer wanted to profit from the bear bile farming industry. Instead, he wanted to give his 132 moon bears a second chance at life.

When Animals Asia arrived to take over the bears’ care, we found a tiny bear cub all alone, trembling and crying. Today she is a handsome, healthy, happy bear. This is Smudge’s incredible story.

The beginning – a dark and lonely world

Smudge was the last bear born at the Nanning facility. She’d never known the forest or the joy of freedom. As a weeks old cub, she was separated from her mother and placed in a birdcage – because even the smallest bear cage was too big for her tiny body – she cried in the dark, humid corner of a concrete yard. She was completely alone. 

When Animals Asia took over the bears’ care in 2014, Heidi Quine, then Senior Bear Manager, found Smudge – shaking, crying and wide-eyed with fear. Heidi instinctively held her to her chest, and Smudge instantly calmed. Heidi promised Smudge she would never be alone again.

Asiatic black bear cub being gently held and comforted by a person wearing a black shirt.
Asiatic black bear cub climbing concrete steps, looking up with mouth open inside an enclosure.
Caregiver feeding milk to an Asiatic black bear cub through the bars of an enclosure.
Asiatic black bear cub playing in a pink tub, holding and biting an apple on a concrete floor.

The early years – learning to be a bear

At Nanning, Smudge was moved into a special yard built just for her, filled with climbing frames, toys, paddling pools, and the company of her new human carers. With patience, routine and kindness, she began to heal.

Her carers became her family. Rocky taught her how to climb. And climb she did – soon mastering her enclosure and growing stronger every day.

Though her surroundings were still limited, the transformation in Smudge was remarkable. She was affectionate, confident and full of energy – a bear beginning to blossom.

Building bonds – meeting Wai Kee

As Smudge grew, so did her social circle. We paired her with another young bear, Wai Kee, and they  became inseparable – splashing in pools, enjoying cool hose showers, and gently patting one another as they passed by.

Despite the constraints of life at Nanning, their friendship brought joy and comfort. It was a sign of how much Smudge had changed – from fearful cub to curious, loving companion.

The journey home

After years of preparation, Smudge and 100 of her friends were finally cleared for transfer to Animals Asia’s China sancutary.

Smudge walked straight into her transport cage and calmly sat down, as if to say, ‘OK, I’m ready.’ Our founder, Jill Robinson, marked the moment with pride: ‘She’d known nothing but bars until now.’

Through the 1,200-kilometre journey, the bears were comforted with treats and piles of straw. They were on their way home.

Two Asiatic black bears relaxing together in a large metal tub filled with water in a concrete enclosure.
Animal care team gathered around a metal cage containing an Asiatic black bear during a rescue operation.
Asiatic black bear standing on wooden beams, mouth open, surrounded by trees in an outdoor habitat.
Two Asiatic black bears play together in a hammock with a blue barrel toy in an outdoor enclosure.

Settling in at sanctuary

Smudge and Wai Kee began sanctuary life in quarantine, settling in quickly, exploring toys and leafy branches with joy. Peanut butter on a spoon became a favourite treat, and every day brought something new.

Smudge put on a little weight at one point, but she responded beautifully to gentle changes in diet and activity. Now she’s back in great shape – fit, happy and thriving.

Unlike many of the bears, she isn’t fussed about nuts or bananas, but give her a bamboo stick or a banana leaf to chew and Smudge is in heaven. Her favourite pastime? Chewing and flinging bits of sugarcane across the floor with total glee.

Smudge today

Thanks to her supporters, Smudge fast became the bear she was always meant to be. She’s cheeky, bright and determined. She has space to move, friends to share her days with, and carers who love her deeply.

She’s still that wide-eyed cub at heart – playful, affectionate and full of mischief – but now she lives without fear, free to experience wonder and joy.