Five rescued sun bears have outgrown their cub house and are ready to explore a huge new world of exciting spaces, smells, sights and sounds.

When he arrived at Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre, tiny orphaned sun bear Murphy weighed less than 4kg. He was bottle fed by dedicated carers who kept him company when he was scared and played with him when he was lonely.

As he grew, he explored increasingly large enclosures until he was eventually integrated with fellow sun bears Layla, Sassy, Goldie and Annemarie in the Miomojo Cub House’s biggest enclosure.

But three years on from his rescue, Murphy is all grown up – and so are his four forever friends.

The five bears are currently sponsored by Miomojo whose generous funding helps pay for enrichment structures, health care, food, toys and daily care. It is vital support which keeps the bears happy and healthy.

This month the whole gang, despite their varied ages from four to nine years-old, graduated together into one of the sanctuary’s full size enclosures for adult bears.

For Murphy – who, thanks to being rescued so young, has never known the suffering of life in a tiny cage as an exotic pet – the move has been one of the happiest times of his life.

Animals Asia Bear Manager Sarah van Herpt said:

“Murphy has loved everything about his new enclosure. From the moment he entered he was confident and curious and wanted to spend every moment outside. It’s a delight to see how fearless he is – he seems to know absolutely that nobody can hurt him here.”

Murphy’s friends have been enjoying the change of scene too. Four-year-old Goldie was so curious that he climbed up to the highest point to survey this new world and see what his new bear-neighbours were doing.

Layla has also been curious but has proved more interested in her new carers than her new neighbours. She’s actually spent as much time in the dens watching the humans as she has playing outdoors.

Having experienced cruelty, Sassy is a more nervous bear and wasn’t sure at first about her new surroundings.

Sarah said:

“Sassy was initially nervous to go out, just ducking in and out very briefly, but after a week – and once joined by her good friend Goldie – Sassy made huge leaps and bounds! She now goes out to forage in the enclosure, spending longer and longer out there. We’re really proud of her bravery.”

Unsurprisingly, Annemarie has been least impressed with the move. At nine years-old, she is the oldest of the group but after spending her entire life locked up in a tiny cage in near pitch darkness, her psychological wounds continue to run deep.

It took Annemarie more than a year to dare to step outside after her initial rescue, and it may take time for her to learn to fully trust her new enclosure, but her carers will give her all the time, encouragement and space she needs.

Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear and Vet Team Director Heidi Quine said:

“We’re all delighted to see this group graduate to a bigger enclosure. The bears rescued as cubs have grown into inquisitive, happy young adults and the older guys have learned to trust their environment through them. Annemarie will no doubt find the initial change to be an adjustment, but we know it is the best for her and the whole group’s welfare in the long-run.

“With all this extra space they are going to forage, play and explore longer, harder and happier than ever before.”

The Miomojo Cub House is part-funded by Miomojo – a responsible fashion company from Italy making gorgeous fashion accessories that don’t harm animals or the environment.

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