After 9 years in cages, five rescued moon bears step into the forest!
Five moon bears rescued after spending 9+ years confined to small concrete cages as illegal pets in Laos, are now taking their first tentative steps into their new forest home.
The 3 males and 2 females were rescued by Free the Bears and Lao authorities and brought to Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre.
When our team first reached them, the bears were in poor condition. They were severely malnourished with two of the males so thin that their hip bones visibly protruded, and another male was found to be blind.
For years, the bears could see the mountains, rushing stream and forest surrounding their cages but heartbreakingly they couldn't reach any of it.
Now, forest is finally theirs to explore:
All five bears have begun venturing outside, taking their first tentative steps onto natural earth after more than nine years living on concrete.
Their new home gives them access to pools and streams where they can swim and drink freely, natural ground beneath their paws, climbing structures and the lush tree canopy of the surrounding national park.
It's a big change, and the bears are understandably cautious. The Bear Care Team is gently encouraging them to explore while allowing each bear to progress at their own pace.
Even the blind male has begun cautiously investigating his new surroundings. Navigating an unfamiliar environment without sight is a challenge, so his carers are supporting him as he slowly learns his new home using his other senses, including his keen sense of smell.
Slowly regaining their strength
We're also delighted to report that all five bears are gaining weight.
Before their rescue, the bears were surviving on rice and other cheap foods provided just once a day.
Now, they receive a varied, nutritious diet including seasonal fruit and vegetables, protein and enrichment. Sugarcane has already become a firm favourite!
There is still a long road of recovery ahead. After so many years of inadequate nutrition and confinement, rebuilding their strength and confidence will take time.
But slowly and surely, these five bears are getting stronger.
Their rescue and recovery have been made possible by the incredibly community of people who support our work.
Thank you for standing with us through an enormous year of bear rescues, helping us give bears like these the chance of a safer future.
Watch their rescue:
