We found Freddie the bear, stuffed inside a metal cage in the back of a taxi - barely big enough to hold him. Crying out in pain. Frightened. And struggling to breathe. If we hadn’t acted fast, he may not have survived.

When we find bears like Freddie in urgent need, there isn’t a moment to lose. We have to act fast. Your support could help to provide the emergency transport we need to make a rescue, provide lifesaving medical supplies for on the spot veterinary treatment and the rehabilitation that bears like Freddie deserve, in a safe, happy home at our BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh.

Will you be there for more bears like Freddie and give a donation today?

When we received the call, followed by pictures and a video of him crammed into a tiny cage, there was no doubt he needed us there and then. Every moment counted and we jumped straight into action.

Our first responders on the scene found Freddie in a critical condition; severely dehydrated, and frantically trying to escape his cage. It’s likely that Freddie was being trafficked, and on his way to being sold illegally for his bile – a highly coveted traditional medicine which is believed to have healing properties.

This would have meant unimaginable cruelty. Bile bears in Vietnam are kept in captivity, under severe physical and mental stress that eventually leads to death. They are unable to move properly in their cages. Some chew on their cage bars in desperation, shattering their teeth.

With your support, we can act fast and rescue more bears like Freddie from the hands of their captors - giving them a chance to be a bear again and enjoy a fruitful life at our sanctuary in Northern Vietnam.