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UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION
In August 2018, an undercover investigation uncovered two illegal bear farms in Quynh Yen, Quynh Luu, Nghe An Province, Vietnam. Farm 1 had nine bears, while Farm 2 had four bears. After a violent riot and attempted kidnap, three bears from Farm 1 were released on May 30th, 2019, following persuasion from Nghe An Authorities.
However, evidence collected indicates that the remaining six unchipped bears on Farm 1 were poached from Laos and are being used for commercial bile extraction. We believe sharing this evidence publicly will help aid supporting governments and NGOs to take action. So, in an unusual move, we've made the detailed facts of this investigation available to be read here.
OBSTACLES TO RESCUE
The 10 bears in Nghe An Province have been dubbed the #untouchablebears because rescue efforts have proven extremely difficult int he past. The illegal bear bile farm business is part of, and therefore hidden behind, a national network of legal businesses.
The illegal wildlife farmers and villagers can become violent, making rescue efforts dangerous. Additionally, the bears are transferred between farms in a bid to hide them from authorities and rescuers.
Verify Humanity want sanctuary and freedom for the bears. Despite the obstacles, we are spreading awareness about the cruelty of bile farming, reaching out to the public and sharing the bear's heartbreaking stories. In an undercover operation our founder, Kate Fox, captured video evidence exposing the illegal activities of these farms.
In addition to Kate's short film about the bears called 'lawless lands', we've started a petition which is gathering signatures and support from people worldwide, and we've been meeting with MPs to keep the momentum going and push for the rescue of the 10 remaining bears.
3
Bears rescued
5,707
Signatures
1
Investigation
CAMPAIGNING FOR THE BEARS' FREEDOM
THE RESCUED BEARS
After a violent riot and attempted kidnap, three bears from Farm 1 were rescued on May 30th, 2019, following persuasion from Nghe An Authorities.
Lulu, Lac and Lili have been rescued and taken to a four paws sanctuary where they are enjoying their new lives away from suffering.
We're incredibly lucky to have photos of the rescued bears to share with you. Take a look below to learn about the bears' reactions to their new found freedom and how they're getting on.
WHAT IS BEAR BILE FARMING?
Once touted as a conservation strategy, bear bile farming has revealed its true colours. Bears are housed in tiny cages, starved of food, water and stimulus. Because of this, the bears live in constant emotional and physical distress, and are reliant upon antibiotics for their survival.
Farming bear bile is unnecessary as plant alternatives have now been found to contain the "same therapeutic effects as bear bile." We hope that by raising awareness we can change belief systems, and liberate the remaining 10 Nghe An Province bears.
MAKING FRIENDS & PLAYING OUTSIDE
Until they were rescued, the bears had only ever looked at each other from behind bars in the gloomy back rooms of the farms. Now they're finally able to be friends, explore and play games together. This is a picture of Lili and Lulu who became best friends!
The bears were trapped in a dark gloomy room since their capture as a cubs from the wild, but now they're finally able to enjoy the sunshine on their faces.
Lili and Lulu, photo with thanks from Four Paws