While celebrations were in full swing here in South Perth, our partners abroad were on a mission to rescue two five-year-old moon bears in Laos.
 
The pair were found living in horrible concrete cages and have now been safely transported to the FTB sanctuary for a life of peace. 

These moon bears are the third and fourth rescues for this year and come after FTB had a record year of 34 bears saved in 2024.



PLUS! This year, we're paws-itively thrilled to see Free the Bears hit its 30th anniversary! 

The Perth-founded organisation has rescued more than 1000 bears from the illegal wildlife trade over the past three decades and works with local communities to make the wild safer for bears and other wildlife.

Through our longstanding partnership, Perth Zoo's resident Sun Bears, Bopha and Jamran arrived at Perth Zoo in 2007, after being rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in Cambodia. 

Over the past 15 years, thanks to Free the Bears, Bopha and Jamran have been savouring the sweet life in the sanctuary of our Zoo.

And importantly, their heart-breaking story has helped to raise awareness for the work our partners do to save bears, and engage and educate local communities. 

Free the Bears celebrated this incredible milestone at Perth Zoo with patron Rove McManus, while Jamran and Bopha tore into puzzles with their favourite treat: honey!

With the help of our community, Perth Zoo proudly partners with Free the Bears to enable important conservation and rescue work as well as care for rescued bears living in sanctuaries in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
While these latest rescues are now safe in Free the Bears’ sanctuaries, there is still more work to be done. 
 
FACT FILE

• Free the Bears was founded in 1995 by Perth resident Mary Hutton OAM. 
   
• Sun Bears are difficult to track and observe in the wild due to their elusive nature but are considered vulnerable to extinction.
   
• The species faces ongoing threats in the wild from habitat destruction and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade.