From Captivity to Sanctuary: Bear Chinh's Journey to Freedom and Healing

Bear Chinh was kept in unsuitable captive conditions on a bear farm in Binh Duong province, enduring a tragic life for almost two decades. While 14 bears on the farm were able to be rescued by FOUR PAWS, since 2019, Chinh had to watch as the cages around him emptied. Helplessly, he became the last survivor of this farm. Finally, we received approval for voluntary handover from the bear farmer, and rescued him in May 2024.

Bear Chinh entered our newly constructed facility, for the remainder of his 30-day quarantine. Chinh was calm and relaxed following the move. He would enjoy tearing into banana tree trunks, getting showers, and devouring dog food, eggs, and bananas. However, still refusing to eat any vegetables.

In the following weeks, Chinh, had his first health check under general anesthesia. It included a complete clinical examination, laboratory diagnostics, x-rays, abdominal ultrasound, heart ultrasound as well as endoscopy of the lungs and stomach. Sadly, Chinh also has a chronic bacterial infection of his gallbladder associated with bile harvesting. The bacteria we isolated are resistant to antibiotics, therefore we will have to surgically remove his gallbladder to end the infection, associated chronic pain, and secondary diseases. Other bears from the same farm suffered from severe gallbladder infections with the same multi-resistant bacteria as well.

We are now pleased to share that Chinh has transitioned from the quarantine phase to life in the sanctuary enclosures. Life here is full of rich vegetation and quiet pools to swim in. See him paw gently at grasses, dig curiously, roam freely, explore tunnels, and forage for food in amongst the lush grasses of his new space. How remarkable the warm sunlight and cool breeze must feel to Chinh, as he embarks on a profound new experience.

There are 199 bears, just like Chinh, still in farms, across Vietnam. His remarkable story is a reminder of why rescues are critical. We must continue the work to bring these bears to a more dignified home.

For more stories like this, visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fourpawsviet.org/