Asiatic black bear showing teeth, partially hidden behind tall green grass in a natural outdoor enclosure.

Dawnie Grace

A story of trauma, resilience and joyful transformation

It was a searing afternoon in 2017 when Dawnie Grace, one of six moon bears caged at a bile farm near Ho Chi Minh City, was first offered hope. 

When our rescue team arrived, Dawnie Grace panicked, clinging to the roof of her cage – a clear sign she was terrified of humans. Her fear was visceral. But with patience and the sweet lure of strawberry jam, we gently coaxed her into our transport cage and brought her to our sanctuary at Tam Dao.

Bear carer Sarah van Herpt remembers it vividly; ‘As I walked into the farm and saw her, my heart just broke for her.’

Fragile beginnings

Upon arrival at our sanctuary, Dawnie Grace faced a barrage of health challenges: a broken jaw, a chronic urinary tract infection, and allergic reactions to medication. She was in pain and deeply shut down emotionally. 

Despite her fear, she formed a tentative bond with Mia, a neighbouring bear from the same farm. It would take time for her to feel comfortable around other bears – in a group where she could truly thrive – but we never gave up.

Asiatic black bear behind red metal cage bars, holding a toy enrichment item decorated with red and white patterns.
Asiatic black bear sitting in a metal tub indoors, holding leafy branches and looking relaxed.
Asiatic black bear undergoing veterinary treatment on a table in a clinical room, surrounded by medical staff.
Asiatic black bear looking to the side in an outdoor enclosure, with soft sunlight on its face and fur.

Finding her tribe

Eventually, Dawnie Grace was integrated into a gentle group of bears in our Little Toy Bear House, and she blossomed. Her best friend, Mia, was still by her side, and she grew especially fond of three charming males, Milagro, Bubu and Zebedee. Her days are now filled with joyful splashing in the pool, wrestling games, and lazy sunbathing.

Strength through adversity

Dawnie Grace has faced multiple health challenges including complex surgery to mend her broken jaw, ongoing bladder infections, and kidney problems. But she’s handled each hurdle with quiet strength. She’s now part of our Cooperative Care program, where she voluntarily participates in her own medical checks – opening her mouth wide for our vets.

Two Asiatic black bears playing and relaxing together on grass near climbing structures and enrichment items.
Asiatic black bear with thick black fur standing on grass, looking up with mouth slightly open.
Asiatic black bear sitting in a metal tub with a wooden ladder, surrounded by green grass in an outdoor enclosure.
Asiatic black bear standing upright in a metal tub outdoors, with wet fur and a cream-colored chest marking.

A life transformed

Today, Dawnie Grace is a radiant, happy bear with a thick, glossy coat, a cheeky smile, and a loving nature. She adores spinning barrels, climbing platforms, and foraging for sweetcorn and apple treats. And she insists her medicine is hidden in banana chunks slathered in syrup – otherwise she’ll grumble!

When she wants some quiet time, Dawnie Grace finds some shade under the trees to gently chew on a leafy branch. She is thriving – a testament to the power of compassion, patience and love.