Sun bear

We work with other zoos through Managed Species Programmes to help save threatened species.

This involves the transfer of animals between zoos for breeding so that genetically healthy animal populations can be maintained under human care.

Transfers are based on genetic compatibility, which prevents inbreeding and ensures their genetic integrity. Our sun bears are part of this effort.

Our staff coordinates the Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums (SEAZA) Species Management Programme for the species, which aims to ensure the survival of the species through coordinated breeding efforts among participating zoos.

However, the sun bear is notoriously difficult to breed under human care. Through hormone profile monitoring, the Veterinary Team aims to decipher the female’s estrous cycles and identify optimum timings to mix breeding pairs.

Bile secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladders of bears has been used in traditional medicine in Asia for centuries.

Contrary to the original intent of bear bile farms, there has been no evidence demonstrating any positive impact of bear bile farming on wild bear populations.

Despite it being illegal in Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic (Laos PDR), the cruel farming bears for their bile continues to be practiced.

Free The Bears (FTB) works to rescue, research and protect vulnerable bear species in Southeast Asia. For the rescued bears, suitable facilities and a life-long sanctuary are required.

We help fund and support the management of two world-class wildlife rescue facilities for rescued Sun and Asiatic Black Bears - Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre and Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary (LPWS).

LPWS has cared for more than 30 other species of wildlife rescued from illegal trade including the critically endangered Sunda and Chinese pangolin, and comes fully equipped with facilities such as climbing towers, pools, caves, aerial walkways, and hammocks –designed to give their residents the best quality of life possible.

We are also proud to fund the continual building of veterinary and husbandry capacities, and continuous expansions and improvements to ensure that sufficient and suitable facilities are available for rescued bears and wildlife whenever required.

Despite the many challenges, the overall number of bear bile farms and the number of bears held in bile farms have indicated positive signs of decline. There are estimated to be 100 bears held in farms in 2020.

We continue to stand behind Free the Bears in their goal to end the practice of bear bile farming in Laos PDR and provide life-long care facilities for rescued bears in a world-class sanctuary environment.