Vietnam’s bear rescue centers offer final refuge
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
In Vietnam, staff at the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre in Bạch Mã National Park, Huế provide care for bears rescued from bile farms and private owners.
The center, supported by Animals Asia, receives bears previously kept in cramped cages in provinces including Thái Nguyên, Hà Nội, and Nghệ An. Once at the center, the bears receive individual rooms, full veterinary care, and a diet designed to restore their health.
Staff observe the bears’ behavior and adjust their care based on the weather and individual needs. They create a semi-wild enclosure with climbing structures and hidden food to encourage natural foraging instincts. The bears receive regular health checks, including anesthesia and diagnostic tests, to address issues common in captive bears like dental problems and joint pain. Even when a bear’s health declines due to age or past trauma, staff prioritize pain management and a peaceful end of life.
Over the last two decades, Vietnam has dramatically reduced its captive bear population. In 2005, there were 4,239 bears in captivity. As of July 2026, that number is expected to drop to 206, a reduction of nearly 95%. While the main challenge now is speeding up the transfer of remaining bears from private owners to rescue centers, demand for bear bile and body parts continues to fuel illegal hunting and trade.
The government aims to end bear farming entirely by 2026.
