27 Moon Bears overseas have been rescued from a lifetime of cruelty thanks to our conservation partner Free the Bears.
 
In a massive rescue mission, these frightened bears were loaded carefully onto trucks one by one and taken away from the illegal bear bile farm that had kept them imprisoned in tiny cages their whole lives.   
 
We’re so relieved to say all 27 bears are now safe at the Free the Bears sanctuary in Laos, and the bear bile farm has officially been closed.
 
Take a look at some behind-the-scenes content, captured by two Perth Zoo senior keepers, Holly and Rob, who volunteered with the rescue 💚
 
After suffering such trauma, these bears have a long recovery ahead of them. But they are now in the very best hands with our conservation partner, and we can’t wait to watch their journey unfold.

Part 1
Watch Holly and Rob give a behind-the-scenes look into the rescue and the cruel conditions these gorgeous bears faced for most their lives💔


 

Part 2
 
Keeper Holly shares the first moments the adorable bears enjoyed fresh fruits, vegetables and clean water.

 

Part 3
Watch as the rescued bears settle into their new lives at the Free the Bears sanctuary.
 
While these bears face a long recovery ahead, we are so proud of Holly, Rob and the amazing team at Free the Bears for giving these bears a second chance at life! 🥹

Free the Bears was founded right here in Perth by Dr Mary Hutton OAM in the 1990s, and it's an organisation very close to our hearts.

Since 2007, we've been proudly partnered with Free the Bears to support the incredible work the team do rescuing bears from the illegal wildlife trade and providing a safe sanctuary for those saved in South-east Asia.

Many of you would know our beautiful bears Bopha and Jamran came into our care after being rescued by FTB from harsh beginnings, and they have been powerful ambassadors for their wild cousins ever since.