Many rescued bears arrive after years trapped in bile farms, or tiny cages in the illegal pet trade. Some have endured horrific physical injuries and disease. Others arrive deeply traumatised, frightened of the outside world after spending much of their lives behind bars.

For these animals, rescue is only the beginning.

At Free the Bears, rehabilitation means giving rescued wildlife the expert care they need to recover, often for the rest of their life. In the case of bears, this could be upwards of 30 years! Whether it's tailored facilities, nutrition, enrichment, or veterinary care, we work to give rescued wildlife everything they need to thrive each day.

That is a commitment we make to every animal we rescue.

The lasting impact of the illegal wildlife trade

Many rescued bears arrive malnourished, weak and injured. Some suffer from severe dental disease after chewing endlessly on cage bars. Others have damaged gall bladders, infections, arthritis, missing limbs, chronic pain or stunted growth caused by years of confinement and bile extraction.

They also show signs of profound psychological trauma. Some pace, suck on their paws, or hide away in dens for months after rescue, too frightened to explore the outside world. Many have never climbed, foraged or swum before arriving at our sanctuaries.

Our teams work patiently to help each individual rediscover natural behaviours through enrichment, forested habitats, proper nutrition and more.

Watching a rescued bear climb a tree for the first time, splash in a pool, or confidently explore the forest after years of fear is an unforgettable experience.

Providing rehabilitation for traumatised wildlife requires specialised veterinary expertise.

Our veterinary teams perform complex surgeries, emergency rescues, diagnostic imaging, dental procedures and long-term rehabilitation for animals that would otherwise have little chance of survival. Every bear in our care is visually checked over by the vet teams once a week, to ensure they are healthy and happy in their environment.

We have pioneered innovative wildlife care in the region, including restoring a bears' eyesight, and performing the world's first neurosurgery on a bear.

Our teams also continue to advance wildlife medicine through research, training and regional collaboration, and are working to train the next generation of wildlife vets, funding a university wildlife medicine module in Laos, and providing training opportunities for students across Southeast Asia.

Rehabilitating wildlife beyond bears

While bears are at the heart of our mission, they are not the only victims of the illegal wildlife trade.

At luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, we have rescued more than 200 rescued animals from 39 different species — including pangolins, macaques, gibbons, jackals, turtles, birds and even a binturong!

Many arrive injured, orphaned or traumatised after being stolen from the wild and trafficked.

Where possible, rehabilitated animals are returned to protected wild habitats. Others may require permanent care due to injury or habituation.

Because every animal matters.

When a rescued bear arrives at one of our sanctuaries, our responsibility to them can last 30+ years.

Sanctuary is a lifelong commitment, and one that is only possible because of supporters like you.

Your donation helps provide a safe home to bears and other rescued wildlife recovering from the illegal wildlife trade.

Help give them the second chance they deserve.

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