Ninh Binh bear sanctuary

In the lush green hills of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, lies a haven for bears. The Tam Dao Bear Sanctuary, located in the Tam Dao National Park, is home to over 150 rescued bears who were previously held captive on bear bile farms or as pets. This sanctuary is a joint effort by the government of Vietnam and the international animal welfare organization, Animals Asia.

Bile farming is a cruel practice that involves keeping bears in tiny cages and extracting their bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, for use in traditional Chinese medicine. The bears are often kept in appalling conditions and suffer from physical and psychological trauma. The Tam Dao Bear Sanctuary provides a safe and comfortable environment for these bears to heal and recover from their traumatic past.

The sanctuary covers an area of 12 hectares and features large open enclosures with natural vegetation and swimming pools. The bears have access to fresh water, nutritious food, and medical care from a team of veterinarians and caregivers. The staff at the sanctuary is dedicated to ensuring that the bears are happy and healthy and receive the best possible care.

Visitors to the sanctuary can take a guided tour to learn more about the bears and their stories. The tour takes visitors through the sanctuary, providing an opportunity to see the bears in their natural habitat and learn about their rehabilitation process. The sanctuary also has a visitor center that provides information on bear conservation and the efforts being made to end the practice of bile farming.

The Tam Dao Bear Sanctuary is not just a safe haven for bears; it is also a center for education and awareness. The sanctuary raises awareness about the cruelty of bile farming and promotes alternative methods of medicine that do not harm animals. The sanctuary also works closely with the local community to educate them on the importance of conservation and protecting wildlife.

The Tam Dao Bear Sanctuary is a testament to the power of compassion and dedication in the face of animal cruelty. The sanctuary provides a second chance for bears who have suffered unimaginable trauma and serves as a beacon of hope for the future of bear conservation in Vietnam. If you’re ever in Ninh Binh, make sure to visit the Tam Dao Bear Sanctuary and witness the incredible work being done to protect these magnificent animals.