Five bear cubs rescued in a day!

When we set out on August 19 to rescue two young moon bear cubs from a remote province in northern Laos, little did we know that by the end of the day we'd have five cubs, our largest ever rescue. Thanks to everyone who responded to our emergency request for support. The cubs are gaining weight, strength and confidence at our Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre.





Finally the rains arrived in full force in August, with flooding at the Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary, Vietnam. We had to use boats to transport bear food along the park's road network. All of the bears remain safe from the floods.



During August our construction teams have been putting the finishing touches on new bear houses and our education teams were hard at work with high school visits in Cambodia, workshops with villagers in Laos and lectures to university students in Vietnam. Everyone's a little exhausted - we're incredibly proud of their achievements.

Our wonderful supporter groups have had a busy August with a movie fundraiser in Melbourne, stalls in Albany and Sydney, a Bollywood Dinner and Dance in Perth (celebrating 10 years since Raju, the last Indian dancing bear, was rescued) and the Royal Adelaide Show. A huge thank you and big bear hug to all of our committed supporters and volunteers.



Happy birthday to Free the Bears founder, Dr Mary Hutton. A message from Mary: "I have been overwhelmed by all the kind and wonderful birthday messages received from many supporters. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH. I feel so lucky to have many friends who love and care for the bears. Love and bear hugs from Mary. xxxxxxxxxxx"

Our new 2020 wall calendar is now available, featuring a 20/20 vision theme (each calendar model has had an issue with their eyes). Proceeds from calendar sales will go towards the ongoing care of our rescued bears, including Mr February (Sutty) and Mr June (Morris Moonbeam), who we hope by 2020 will have had their vision restored following complex cataract surgeries. Order for yourself or a loved one (makes a great ethical gift).

World Expeditions has put together another great expedition, this time with award-winning animal photographer Alex Cearns. You'll venture behind the scenes at our Laos sanctuaries, getting up close and personal with the bears and directly contributing to their well-being. Alex will give tips how to get the most out of your animal photography. May 9-16, 2020, click here for details. Learn more about Alex in this great news story covering her 2015 visit to meet Champa, the world's first bear to undergo brain surgery.

With limited protected forest suitable for release, we'll likely be caring for our rescued bears - healthy diets, vet care, enrichment, forest enclosures with hammocks & climbing platforms - for their entire lives, up to 40 years. Please consider becoming a Bear Carer so we can continue to provide this care.



Thank you & bear hugs