Behind every rescue, recovery, and step forward in ending bear bile farming and illegal wildlife trading is a dedicated team working across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Founded in 1995, Free the Bears has grown from a grassroots effort into a leading conservation organisation. Today, we operate the largest bear sanctuary network in Southeast Asia, rescue more threatened bears than any other organisation worldwide, and are a significant local employer.

From bear carers and veterinarians to educators, researchers and support staff, we’re united by one goal:

Protecting threatened bears in Asia.

  • 120+

    dedicated staff, across Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Australia.

  • 90%+

    national employees.

  • 1000+

    bears rescued across Asia

  • 300+

    bears currently in care

  • 5

    sanctuaries across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam

  • Largest

    moon and sun bear sanctuary network in Southeast Asia.

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Our Board

Our Board provides governance, strategic direction, and oversight, ensuring Free the Bears remains focused, accountable, and effective in delivering long-term impact for bears.

They bring a wealth of experience across conservation, business, and leadership, supporting us to grow sustainably and stay true to our mission.

UK Trustees

  • Jonathan Cracknell

  • Sarah Moran

  • Giles Clark

  • Claudia Hartley

  • Matt Hunt

Our Leadership Team

Our leadership team guides the organisation’s global strategy and operations, working closely with teams across Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

They ensure our work is impactful, collaborative, and grounded in both science and on-the-ground experience.

Our Patron - Rove McManus

Australian television presenter, comedian and producer Rove McManus is a proud Patron of Free the Bears and a long-time supporter of our work.

Rove has helped shine a spotlight on the challenges facing sun bears and moon bears across Southeast Asia, using his platform and unmistakable warmth and humour to help more people discover – and care about – wildlife.

As Patron, Rove continues to champion our mission to protect theatened bears, helping us build a future where bears are safe from the illegal wildlife trade and able to live the lives they deserve in the forest.

A local team, lasting impact

More than 90% of our team is locally employed across the countries where we work.

This means our work is led by people who deeply understand the landscapes, communities, and challenges facing wildlife in their own countries — building local capacity and creating long-term, sustainable change.

A multi-generational effort

At our sanctuary in Cambodia, expert cub carer Heng, and his wildlife veterinarian daughter Sorphea, work side by side caring for rescued bears. They are one of many multi-generational teams at Free the Bears!

Their story, featured in the documentary Bear Guardians, offers a glimpse into the the dedicated people behind our mission.

Watch Bear Guardians