An update from Free the Bears

Last month, Free the Bears conducted two rescue operations in Laos. The two rescued bear cubs have now been provided sanctuary and are expected to fully recover. Read their message and watch the rescue video below:

Wonderful news – another 2 bears freed from a lifetime of pain, fear and suffering!

In late September 2024 we learnt of a female sun bear cub with a terrible snare wound in the far south of Laos, more than 1,000km away. We leapt into action, leaving at 4am to reach her as soon as possible. While on the road, our government partners confiscated the cub and transferred her to their office.

At the same time, unexpectedly, a second tiny orphaned moon bear cub was found in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Once again, our government partners were able to confiscate the cub and, after rescuing the injured sun bear, our team was able to pick up the second cub on the return journey to our sanctuary (leaving a team member behind to make room for the extra cub).

The cubs are around 4 months old and 5kg in weight. Sadly, the sun bear cub’s injuries were so severe that her leg was amputated. However, she’s a fighter and both cubs are growing in strength and confidence as each day passes. We expect them to fully recover and enjoy a healthy, enriched life free from pain, fear and suffering.

This makes a record 32 bears you’ve helped rescue in 2024, an amazing achievement, we are incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you so much for being Bear Carers and giving vulnerable sun bears and moon bears a second chance. Please enjoy the rescue video below.