Asiatic black bear with a creamy chest patch sitting on the ground in a grassy outdoor enclosure, looking alert and curious.

Yen

From a birdcage to freedom under the sun

In November 2021, a police unit in Uong Bi, Quang Ninh Province, intercepted an illegal wildlife trafficking operation – and found a moon bear cub crammed into a birdcage. They immediately called Animals Asia.

This small, terrified bear had been poached from the wild, likely torn from his mother. But thanks to swift action by the authorities and Animals Asia’s Vietnam team, his story took a different turn.

Asiatic black bear in a metal cage, being observed by a group of people during an indoor rescue or medical assessment.
Asiatic black bear inside a metal cage, looking out through the bars with a curious expression.
Large brown teddy bear sitting on a red stool next to an animal rescue cage in a shelter environment.
Asiatic black bear lying on grass and playing with a burlap sack, surrounded by torn packaging.

A name, a new beginning

He was the 650th bear rescued by Animals Asia. We named him Yen, meaning ‘peace’ in Vietnamese, after the revered Yen Tu Pagoda, which is near where he was found.

This rescue was a powerful symbol of hope – proof that collaboration between local authorities and dedicated animal advocates can change lives.

Settling into sanctuary life

At first, Yen was anxious and unsure. But he was given time, space and gentle care. In early 2022, he was moved to his own den in our Cub House, complete with ladders, high baskets for sleeping, and plenty of toys, straw, and healthy treats to discover. It was his first step toward meeting other bears for the first time.

First taste of freedom

Shortly after, Yen’s tiny paws stepped outside into the sunshine. He hesitated at first, unsure of the outside world. But, with his new friends, Cocoon, Mudky and Star  by his side, he bravely stepped out. He started exploring, playing and beginning to trust that this was a safe place.

Two Asiatic black bears playfully interacting on grass near a large rock in their outdoor enclosure.
Two Asiatic black bears relaxing in a metal tub outdoors, one resting and one appearing playful.
Asiatic black bear perched on a wooden post, holding a stick, surrounded by lush green foliage.
Asiatic black bear walking through green grass, facing forward in a natural outdoor enclosure.

Playful, curious, and full of life

Yen is now thriving at our sanctuary. His carer Nguyen Thi Hao says:

‘Yen is very active, cheerful, and sociable. He rushes out in the morning, searching for his favourite treats of apple and banana. He sits like a little child, holding his snacks in both hands and munching away.’

Yen plays hide and seek, climbs high structures to tease his friends, and even walks around with a sack over his face which always makes his carers laugh! After a full day of fun, he unwinds with a dip in the pool, submerging himself and splashing with carefree abandon.