Hoa Lan and Hoa Tra suffered for over 12 years in tiny cages on a bear farm in the province of Thai Nguyen. The cages lacked light, fresh water and space for movement. The two bears were forced to live in very poor conditions since they were sold to a bile bear farm when they were still little cubs. 

The two bile bears were rescued successfully in August 2018 and arrived safe and sound in their new home, the BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh. Years of cruel keeping on the bile farm had left its marks on the two bears. Hoa Lan’s teeth especially were in a terrible condition and our on-site vet had to treat the bear already during the first vet check. 

Vietnam is one of the few countries in Asia to have taken legal action against the keeping of bile bears. However, it is imperative that existing laws are implemented more consistently. Kieran Harkin, Head of International Wild Animal Campaigns at FOUR PAWS, stated: “We are glad that we were able to end the keeping of bile bears in Ninh Binh with the support of the local authorities. Unfortunately, in many other provinces of Vietnam bile extraction is still happening. We still have free spots at our BEAR SANCTUARY and we are ready to welcome the many suffering bears to a happy life free of pain as soon as possible. Therefore, with the support of hundreds of thousands of animal friends, we urge the Vietnamese government to vigorously pursue the promised closure of all remaining bear farms.”

After years of physical separation, Hoa Lan and Hoa Tra have been socialised at our BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh. Both are very well and enjoy the time together in the outdoor enclosure.