On April 22, Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) coordinated with the Nghe An Forest Protection Department, Bach Ma National Park, and Forest Protection Department Region II to successfully rescue two long-captive bears in Quang Dong commune, Nghe An province.

Both bears are female Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus), over 20 years old and weighing about 90 kilograms each. They were microchipped for management in 2005. Having been kept in captivity for a long period, they require care and recovery in a more suitable environment.

After the handover was agreed, Bach Ma National Park, acting as the specialized management authority, quickly completed procedures to receive the bears. At the same time, AAF deployed its technical team to carry out the rescue in line with procedures.

During the operation, the bears were anesthetized and placed in specialized transport cages to ensure safety and minimize stress. The rescue team planned to travel nearly 500 kilometers from Nghe An to Hue city within the day to transfer the animals to the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre.

At the center, the bears will receive species-appropriate care, with a near-natural living environment, a suitable diet, and close veterinary monitoring. After arrival, they will undergo at least 30 days of quarantine for health checks before gradually adapting to a semi-natural environment.

Close coordination among the agencies involved helped ensure the rescue was carried out promptly and in line with regulations. The voluntary handover by the resident is also a positive signal, contributing to efforts to end illegal wildlife captivity and move toward sustainable conservation.

Captive Asian black bear transferred to rescue centre

A man in Yen Thanh district, the central province of Nghe An, has handed over an Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus) to the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre at Bach Ma National Park in Hue city.