sun bear shines in laos
Intrepid travellers to Luang Prabang in Laos have been enthusiastically visiting and supporting the nearby Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. Thanks to their help, in the last year we have raised a whopping AU$23,800 for the Centre through the Intrepid Foundation!
If you are heading to Laos, don’t miss a visit to meet their first sun bear. Free The Bears, Laos Program Manager, Jane Clegg reports:
“A young male bear was confiscated from a bile farm and brought to us in late April. He was badly injured, weak and in very poor health when he first arrived and in need of care 24 hours a day. He was malnourished, dehydrated and had a severe wound on his front leg, but our biggest concern was his depressed state – he had simply given up hope and we had to work very hard to give him a reason to live.
At first progress was very slow and we were unsure whether or not he would survive. But gradually he grew in strength, taking small amounts of honey and other treat foods gently from our fingers, and it was time to name him ‘Tassie’.
After a month or so he was strong enough to be taken to our rescue centre and has now been introduced to our other new arrival, a young Asiatic bear named ‘Douey’ (which means fatty in Laos). Tassie is still a little nervous but now loves his more confident playmate and is slowly learning to enjoy his playground, tyre swings and bamboo treats. We will shortly be completing a new outdoor nursery for the cubs to enjoy and look forward to seeing them explore their new world together.
Thanks again to the Intrepid Foundation for all your support in helping us expand our educational activities here in Laos and offering a brighter future for these beautiful animals.”
To support the Centre and have your donation matched by Intrepid Travel, please find out more online at Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre today!
Poor little bugger. I’m glad he’s getting better. Humans can be horrible beasts. Well done Intrepid. Keep up the good work. I’ll make sure I visit the centre when I’m in Laos.
Congratulations Intrepid for all the work you are doing to help these little guys out. If it weren’t for people like yourselves, these bears would become extinct. Good Job!
I HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING WSPA / ANIMALS ASIA FOR YEARS TO ERADICATE THIS HORRIBLE & DISGUSTING CRUELTY AS THERE ARE SYNTHETIC ALTERNATIVES.
WE HUMANS HAVE SO MUCH TO LEARN FROM ALL CREATURES.
GREAT THAT SOME ORGANISATIONS ARE RESPONSIBLE.
I visited the bears when I was in Luang Prabang last Christmas. They seemed to be very happy as they rummaged in tree trunks and other hidey-holes for their snacks, or relaxed in their hammocks. Thank goodness they could be rescued.There’s enough suffering in the world without adding to it for no useful purpose.
By the way, the waterfall and pools are beautiful. Take your camera and swimming costume.
Hurray for you. This antiquated and cruel practice should be banned through the civilized world. Good job!!!