Derek, the moon bear adopted by Ricky Gervais and named after his comic TV creation, enjoyed a wonderful surprise with the arrival of a swimming pool at his Nanning home.

Derek bear resides in Nanning, China – on a former bear bile farm that Animals Asia is converting into a sanctuary as part of the Peace by Piece project. The bears now have better diets and much better care but while an open-air enclosure is built staff are working hard to keep them happy and stimulated. That’s where the pool comes in.

Thanks to a generous UK donor, over 100 swimming pools are being built with new ones arriving week by week.

In the sub-tropical temperatures of Nanning, the pools are a very welcome luxury for the bears allowing them not only to cool down, but also providing important stimulation.

With 30 pools having arrived so far, staff are rotating access so that all of the bears on site get a chance to enjoy a cooling splash.

Senior Bear Manager, Heidi Quine said:

“We’ve seen lots of heart warming play in the pools this weekend – after some bears initial nervousness. Bears love water and a pool provides enrichment and fun. As they become fitter, happier and healthier they also need mental stimulation provided by scheduled changes to their routines to keep them looking forward to each day.”

Playing is considered an important indicator of a bear’s welfare as it is not exhibited by bears which are stressed, underfed or in pain.

Heidi continued:

“Positive play behaviours are absolutely on the rise – the clip of Ricky Gervais’ bear Derek is proof of that. But it can be seen elsewhere too. The juveniles which share enclosures are now beginning to wrestle and play-chase – very positive indicators of increased contentment.

“These same pairs of bears were fighting over insufficient amounts of food just six months ago, so to see such positive behaviour now is a sign that we are on the right track.”

Animals Asia Founder and CEO, Jill Robinson MBE said:

“It’s impossible to describe the ongoing improvement in the bears’ behaviour and well being from when we first arrived. Each day sees another step forward, and now,with the addition of the pools, their mischevious, fun loving characters are blossoming even more. Huge thanks to the Ian and Mariana Covey for their kindness in donating them and for yet another positive difference in the lives of these bears.”

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