Caring for Bears

Animals Asia

I seem to have inherited my family trait of devotion to animals in spades. You only need to check out the number of dogs in attendance at our family gatherings (who usually outnumber the humans) to realise we're fanatical dog lovers. All very spoiled little pooches of course, I might add. However I believe it's important also, where we can, to try and support those many animals who don't have devoted owners and in fact are subjected to all manner of inhumane, cruel and neglectful treatment, for no reason other than that they can't adequately defend themselves.

A few years ago, when planning a trip to Thailand, my travel agent gave me some literature on Animals Asia, an organisation which is doing some wonderful work with many animals at risk in Asia, in particular the Asian Moon Bears. I have been a regular supporter of Animals Asia since then. The Foundation is a Hong Kong-based government-registered animal welfare charity founded by an Australian, Jill Robinson MBE, in 1998. The organisation is dedicated to improving the lives of wild, domesticated and endangered species, ending cruelty and restoring respect for animals Asia-wide. Moon Bears have been killed for their gall bladders for 1,000s of years in Asia, as well as having been subjected to the grossest forms of cruelty and torture to extract their bile. Jill Robinson is doing magnificent work in educating those involved to stop this practice, rescuing and treating bears who have been subjected to it and setting up sanctuaries for them where they can live out the rest of their lives in peace and free from suffering.

Do check out their website. There are many ways of giving support, through purchasing gifts, making donations, sponsoring bears and even giving presents to the bears at Christmas.