Animals Asia was founded by Jill Robinson in 1998. Their work focus on ending animal cruelty in Asia, providing educational programs as well as running two sanctuaries for rescued Moon bears in Chengdu, China and Tam Dao, Vietnam.
They run companion animal welfare projects, such as Dr. Dog and Prof. Paws, where specially selected dogs go to schools, organisations and hospitals, educating children and people about pets to change local attitude towards animals and providing animal assisted therapy. They act as ambassadors for animals in Asia, a powerful message if you consider that some of these dogs were themselves rescued from trucks bound for the slaughterhouse.
Their Moon bear rescue program has been leading the way for many years now in the campaign to end bear bile farming. Their research projects as well as their work in raising awareness about the trade have been crucial to changing attitudes in Asia. They have so far rescued over 300 bears from farms with the help of the Chinese and Vietnamese governments.
The sanctuaries are well equipped, with exceptional veterinarian teams on site, who care for the bears, and are often involved in operating firsts. Their unparalleled access to ex- farm bears makes their forensic work very important, monitoring the health problems that frequently plague these animals. It also enables them to provide invaluable post-mortem information to conservation specialists and medical experts to assess problems specific to bear bile farming and bile products.
The bears enjoy life in large enclosures, with dens, in which they spend the night. Each enclosure is equipped with climbing frames and pools, and is carefully enriched every morning, following a rota to keep the bears intellectually stimulated. As the bears recover from their previous lives, each begin to express his or her own personality, forming bonds, and preferences. There are typically three planned check- ups a week, to monitor the bears' health, looking for dental and eyesight problems as well as the all too common occurrences of cancer.
Looking after the rescued Moon bears is a long term commitment to the welfare of the animals, and Hauser Bears supports Animals Asia in it's work and endeavour to put an end to bear bile farming in Asia.
Please take the time to visit Animals Asia's website to learn more about their projects, bear-related or otherwise.