I have just finished leading the first of two Wild and Ancient China trips for Natural Habitat Adventures. As always it was an epic journey across one of the most incredible countries on earth. This is a land of mystery and juxtaposition, a place where ancient meets modern, and where a cultural appreciation of the natural world stands firmly against rapid development. One of the many amazing places we visited was the Moon Bear Rescue Center outside of Chengdu, in Sichuan Province. It was here, yesterday, that we witnessed something that we will never forget; bears that have forgiven human beings.
A happy bear at the Moon Bear Rescue Center has been given a second lease on life. Photo Brad Josephs
The center is run by the Hong Kong based Animals Asia Foundation which works towards endangered species conservation, and animal welfare. Founder Jill Robinson, was inspired when she visited a bear bile farm and witnessed the horribly cruel practice of farming Asiatic black bears (also called moon bears because of the moon shaped crescent on their chest) to produce bear bile, which is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a cure for numerous ailments such as hangovers, impotency, and gall stones. Jill states that she walked up to a bear, suffering terribly from the painful metal catheter embedded in its abdomen that is used to collect bile, and confined in a tiny cage, and the bear reached out and gently grabbed her hand, as if to ask her for help. She has been on a mission ever since, and has done amazing work. Moon bears are rescued from farms, where they suffer a horribly tortured life, given veterinary treatment to correct inevitable physical problems, and live in what I would describe as a luxurious bear country club. It warms the heart to see these bears in their new homes, enjoying themselves and loved by the staff. Amazingly, a dozen bears all live together in a huge communal enclosure where they soak in pools, and play together.
As we toured the facility one of the bears approached the fence and laid on its belly in a classic submissive posture. We gathered around and soaked in the emotional moment. It was clear that this bear enjoyed our presence. It took in our scent, and made eye contact with us, and appeared genuinely pleased to be near us. This bear lived half of its life enduring unfathomable abuse by humans, but it has forgiven our species, and was now comfortable in our presence. To me this is just one more example of the complex and beautiful mind of the bear.
Wildlife videographer Fred Heiman and the group enjoying a moment with a beautiful, forgiving moon bear. Photo Brad Josephs
The Chinese Government is hesitant to close all of the bear farms, despite the cruelty which is involved with the practice, because they fear that the demand for bear bile would cause poaching pressure to skyrocket which would likely lead to the possible extinction of the already highly endangered moon bears, of which there may only be 15,000 left in the wild. In the last year, however, a wonderful thing has happened through the relentless work of Animals Asia. Media coverage has increased, and the people of China have begun to cry out against the use of bear bile. Two well known doctors have also spoken out against the use of bear bile as a medicinal agent because there have been 10 cases of liver failure, including two fatalities that were caused by ingesting bear bile (to read more about this click here). In addition, there are around 50 alternative plants which have the same benefits as bear bile, but without the grave risks. It seems that in the near future, the demand for bear bile could disappear, which would end the practice of bear farming, as well as poaching bears throughout the world for the black-market.
Animals Asia is a non-profit organization which runs solely on private donations. Natural Habitat provides a generous donation each time we visit the center, and we all threw something extra into the donation box. In addition, one of the travelers, Sue Lemieux, a retired biology teacher who volunteers full time at a private zoo near her home, sponsored a bear named Banjo. It is great to know that there are plenty of good people out there who appreciate bears and other animals, and I really think that the bears at the Moon Bear Rescue Center realize this.
Sue and her her newly adopted bear Banjo in the lower right corner. Photo Brad Josephs
A beautiful, extremely rare tibetan brown bear which was rescued by Buddhist monks enjoying his life at the center. Photo Brad Josephs
4 Comments
As heartbreaking as it is to think about the practice continuing, the Chinese government is probably right in anticipating a massive increase in poaching if it were to close all the bear farms at once. Let’s just hope that the demand for bear bile will indeed collapse soon. In the meantime, it’s wonderful to know that there are places like the Moon Bear rescue Center and people like Sue and Brad.
It always breaks my heart and deeply disturbs me to hear about animal cruelty – and this is no exception. What an awful and troubling existence these beautiful bears must endure. I am always so encouraged, though, when I see or hear about people who do care about the welfare of animals. How wonderful that these bears now have a wonderful life at the Moon Bear Rescue Center! And for the sake of the other bears in this predicament, I hope that the demand for bear bile will cease to exist.
Please stop this painful practice! It is cruel and barbaric!
It’s unfortunate that advanced medicine/treatment hasn’t found its way into the minds of others who still make nature’s animals suffer to fillful their ancient beliefs. It is reassuring to hear that caring people are providing the care these animals need.
Much effort was put forth in the US to bring the wolf back into the ecology of Yellowstone, and other areas of the West/Southwest. However, there are elements of our society still out there, including member of our own congress,and state governments who want the wolf wiped from their natural habitat. This is not for medical reasons, but out of pure hate,ignorance,and greed by these elements in our society. Nations, and individuals are judged on how it takes care of its ederly,anf natural resources. Unfortunately,we still have a long way to go in changing mind sets. It’s a positive to hear that we have people out there moving in that direction.