For more than 30 years, Free the Bears has partnered with organisations around the world to turn conservation ambition into action on the ground across Asia.

These partnerships make our work possible. They support animal welfare, advance conservation science, strengthen community programs and protect wildlife and ecosystems.

Bears play an important ecological role as seed dispersers and “forest gardeners”, helping regenerate forests and maintain biodiversity across the region. Protecting bears also protects the natural environment, and the many species that depend on the same habitat.

PARTNER WITH US

Together with our partners, we have:

  • Rescued more than 1,000 bears from bile farms and illegal wildlife trade

  • Built and expanded five bear sanctuaries across Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam

  • Protected 20+ hectares of forested sanctuary habitats that support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems

  • Advanced research and rewilding programs for threatened bears

  • Supported governments and communities to combat wildlife crime

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Ways to partner with us

With five sanctuaries across Southeast Asia and more than 90% national staff, Free the Bears works at the frontline of bear conservation in the region and operates the largest network of bear sanctuaries in Southeast Asia.

Our sanctuaries, long-term field presence and strong partnerships with governments and communities provide a platform where partners can contribute expertise, resources and innovation to deliver meaningful conservation outcomes.

Conservation partnership

Free the Bears works with conservation organisations and funders seeking trusted local partners to deliver conservation action.

Through our sanctuary network and field programs across Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, partners can support wildlife rescue, sanctuary development, veterinary care and species protection programs across Southeast Asia.

Research and academic collaborations

Our sanctuaries and conservation programs provide a unique platform for research, training and knowledge exchange.

Universities, zoological institutions and research partners collaborate with our teams to advance knowledge on animal welfare, wildlife trade, conservation science and rewilding systems.

Strategic and corporate partnerships

Companies can partner with Free the Bears to support high-impact conservation initiatives while engaging employees and customers in wildlife protection.

Strategic partnerships help mobilise resources, raise awareness and deliver measurable conservation outcomes that contribute to nature-positive impact across Southeast Asia.

Community and capacity-building partnerships

Working closely with local communities and governments, Free the Bears helps strengthen wildlife protection through education, training and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

Partners can help scale these programs and support long-term stewardship of wildlife and ecosystems.

Innovation and catalytic funding

Foundations and philanthropic partners can help accelerate conservation by supporting new initiatives, pilot projects and innovative approaches that strengthen bear protection and scale conservation impact across Southeast Asia.

By supporting locally led initiatives through Free the Bears, partners can unlock new approaches to addressing complex conservation challenges while strengthening local conservation leadership.

Sustainable tourism and conservation experiences

Responsible tourism partners help connect visitors with conservation work in action.

Through carefully managed sanctuary visits and educational experiences in stunning landscapes rich in biodiversity, travellers gain insight into wildlife protection while directly supporting conservation efforts on the ground.

Our Partners

Free the Bears is proud to work with conservation institutions, zoological organisations, foundations, research bodies and businesses that contribute expertise, funding and collaboration to support our work across Southeast Asia.

Together, we create lasting change for bears, communities and ecosystems.

Perth Zoo

Perth Zoo has been a valued conservation partner since 2007. Their support has advanced research on wild bear populations across Southeast Asia, funded scholarships for local conservationists and strengthened community programs near bear habitats. Perth Zoo has also supported veterinary collaboration and contributed to the development of facilities at the Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Mandai Wildlife Group

Mandai Wildlife Group supports a range of conservation and capacity-building initiatives with Free the Bears across Southeast Asia. This includes funding wildlife medicine training for veterinary students in Laos, supporting staff exchanges, contributing to sanctuary infrastructure and assisting with animal care. The partnership also strengthens zoo policy and animal welfare standards in the region.

San Diego Zoo

Free the Bears has partnered with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance since 2015, focusing on behaviour change and demand reduction for bear products. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance also recognised Free the Bears’ leadership with the Conservation Medal in 2018, reflecting a shared commitment to reducing wildlife trade and protecting threatened bear species.

Welttierschutzgesellschaft e.V.

Welttierschutzgesellschaft e.V. has supported Free the Bears through project funding and collaboration to build the first multi-species wildlife rescue centre in Southern Laos. They have also funded the training of local law enforcement on animal first aid response, to strengthen the response to wildlife crime in the region.

Brown Bear Coffee

Brown Bear Coffee supports Free the Bears through the sale of specialty coffee products in the UK, raising funds and awareness for bear conservation and inspiring customers to take action for wildlife.This partnership demonstrates how businesses can play a meaningful role in protecting threatened species.

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

Free the Bears has partnered with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland since 2010, supporting conservation efforts through staff exchanges and ongoing contributions to veterinary capacity building. This collaboration helps strengthen animal care and improve conservation outcomes for bears across Southeast Asia.

One Planet One Future Foundation

Through art, advocacy and philanthropy, the One Planet One Future Foundation contributes to conservation programs with Free the Bears that protect wildlife and raise awareness of threatened wildlife populations and their habitats.

Colchester Zoological Society

Colchester Zoo has supported Free the Bears since 2011 through conservation funding and awareness initiatives. Their contributions have helped expand bear housing and veterinary capacity at the Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as support wildlife research and care. The partnership has recently expanded into education through a STEM challenge inviting students to design a new bear house.

World Expeditions

Free the Bears has partnered with World Expeditions for nearly two decades, to promote ethical wildlife tourism at our sanctuaries.More recently, World Expeditions Schools has brought international student groups to our Cambodia sanctuary, helping inspire the next generation of wildlife advocates.

Fondation Brigitte Bardot

Through its support of Free the Bears’ conservation work, Fondation Brigitte Bardot contributes to bear welfare efforts, sanctuary development and the long-term care of rescued bears across Southeast Asia.

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Conservation Society Australia, has a shared focus on sun bear conservation. Through its Conservation Partnerships and Field Grants programs, Taronga has supported regional workshops, tuberculosis surveillance and risk mitigation, efforts to address snaring threats across Southeast Asia and more.

Marchig Animal Welfare Trust

Through grant funding and philanthropic support, Marchig Animal Welfare Trust has helped Free the Bears advance animal welfare standards and strengthen programs focused on the veterinary care and rehabilitation of bears affected by wildlife exploitation.

Chester Zoo

Free the Bears has collaborated with Chester Zoo on conservation and research initiatives focused on sun bears. This includes a pilot project exploring reproductive hormones, contributions to tuberculosis-related work and ongoing knowledge exchange. This collaboration supports shared learning and advances conservation science for threatened bear species.

National Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Fund

Over many years, The National Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Fund community, including visitors, conservation team members and Jamala Wildlife Lodge supporters, has raised funds to support Free the Bears’ work protecting threatened bears across Asia, contributing to rescue efforts, sanctuary care and conservation programs.

Wellington Zoo Trust

Wellington Zoo Trust in New Zealand has partnered with Free the Bears since 2009, supporting us with annual conservation donations and professional collaboration, including staff exchange visits that help share knowledge and strengthen animal welfare and husbandry practices.

Wildlife HQ

Wildlife HQ Zoo in Australia supports wildlife conservation through public education, fundraising and partnerships with conservation organisations.Through onsite donation stands and occasional fundraising initiatives, Wildlife HQ has helped raise funds to support Free the Bears’ work protecting threatened bears across Asia.

Stiftelsen Nordens Ark

Through its partnership with Free the Bears, Stiftelsen Nordens Ark has supported the development of facilities for rescued turtles and tortoises affected by the illegal wildlife trade at the Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary in Laos, strengthening conservation capacity and protection for threatened wildlife across Southeast Asia.

Australian Volunteers for International Development

Australian Volunteers for International Development has placed skilled volunteers across animal care, veterinary and sanctuary management roles. These placements strengthen operational capacity and conservation programs, with many volunteers continuing as long-term supporters and collaborators.