Rescue

Rescuing bears across Asia

Working with wildlife authorities to rescue bears from bile farms, illegal wildlife trade and other forms of exploitation.

For more than 30 years, Free the Bears has worked alongside governments, law enforcement and local communities to rescue bears from cruelty and exploitation, providing the specialist veterinary care, rehabilitation and the long-term sanctuary they need.

We have helped rescue more than 1,000 bears across Asia. It is at the heart of what we do. But successful rescues require far more than simply removing an animal. They depend on strong partnerships, skilled wildlife authorities, specialist facilities and long-term resources to care for rescued bears for decades to come.

1000+ BEARS RESCUED ACROSS ASIA

The threats bears are facing:

The world's largest rescue of endangered bear cubs

In 2024, a police raid found 17 orphaned moon bear cubs, all 2-3 months old and less than 4kg, in a house in the Laos capital, Vientiane.

Sadly one cub had died and another passed away later, however, 15 survived and are still thriving at the Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary in Laos.

At the time, this was our largest year ever of bear rescues with 30 bears rescued in Laos and another 4 in Cambodia.

Watch the rescue:

Rescuing India's dancing sloth bears

Thousands of bears suffered for centuries in India's dancing bear trade. Together with Wildlife SOS and International Animal Rescue, Free the Bears helped end India's cruel dancing bear trade, rescuing bears and supporting more than 500 Kalandar families to build new livelihoods.

Rescuing 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 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, rescued animals are rehabilitated and returned to protected wild habitats. Others may require permanent care due to injury or habituation.

Your support matters

Free the bears rescues more threatened bears than any other organisation worldwide.

We continue to rescue more bears every year, and the need for long-term care continues to grow.

It's only thanks to the kindness of our donors that we can continue to say yes every time there is a bear in need, and be ready for those still waiting.

Help us rescue bears from bile farms and the illegal wildlife trade, care for them for life, and protect those still in the wild.

Donate today

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