Join us to help FREE THE BEARS

Mozzie Gillies is organizing this fundraiser to benefit Free the Bears Fund Inc.

Earlier this year a major wildlife trafficker in possession of 17 tiny bear cubs was intercepted by Free the Bears Laos government partners in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

The world’s biggest ever seizure of threatened bear cubs, one had already passed away, but the others were in need of urgent care. Free the Bears took in all the little cubs, giving them the care and support they desperately needed, including around the clock bottle feeds.

Our team of dedicated zookeepers will join the Free the Bears team in Laos this November to volunteer our time and skills. We’re a group of different skilled keepers with experience in caring for primates, ungulates and carnivores - some of us have volunteered with Free the Bears before, some are motivated and excited to help for the first time! We’re traveling to Laos to assist in the rehabilitation of the wildlife in the care of Free the Bears including gibbons, macaques and red pandas, check up on the progress of the growing young cubs, and learn more about the incredible work our conservation partners do.

We’re raising funds prior to heading to Laos so we can purchase vital supplies to help rescued wildlife in the care of Free the Bears. Most of these supplies aren’t available in the countries Free the Bears operates so they are very much relying on our help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.

We are fundraising specifically for;

• Veterinary supplies

• Carnivore vitamin and mineral supplements

• Enrichment materials such as bungees, Kong’s and other toys

• Education materials for the vets and local communities

• Rescue equipment including gloves and snake hooks

• Specialised project equipment – weather stations, solar-powered pumps and camera traps

• Weighing equipment

Our combined goals include;

• Engaging with the FTB team on numerous projects to enhance exposure to working in the field and cultural aspects of field-based conservation.

• Assist with medical procedures and health monitoring of an array of species.

• Continuing to collaborate on nutrition, environmental enrichment, exhibit design, husbandry and welfare training.

In Southeast Asia countless bears are suffering due to the illegal wildlife and pet trade and inhumane captivity situations. Free the Bears is dedicated to rescuing these majestic creatures from desperate situations and providing them with safe sanctuaries where they can heal and thrive.

Your support is crucial in this mission. Every donation helps them:

- Rescue Bears: Funds are used to safely transport bears from illegal captivity to our sanctuaries.

- Provide Medical Care: Essential treatments and ongoing veterinary care ensure that each bear can recover from abuse and neglect.

- Build and Maintain Sanctuaries: Donations help us create and maintain spacious habitats where bears can live a comfortable, healthy life

Here’s how you can make an impact:

$35 covers a week's worth of food for a rescued bear.

$250 provides necessary medical treatment for one bear.

$500 helps fund the construction of an enriched habitat.

With your generous support, we can continue to offer these bears the care they so rightfully deserve. Your donation will not only save lives but also ensure that these beautiful animals can live out their days in a safe and loving environment.

More information about Free the Bears: In 1993 Perth grandmother Mary Hutton saw footage of moon bears held in coffin sized cages with dirty catheters inserted directly into their gall bladder to 'milk' their bile for traditional medicine. She registered Free the Bears as a not-for-profit charity & worked tirelessly to help bears in need. Free the Bears has helped rescue over 1000 bears, operates rescued bear sanctuaries in 3 countries, helped end the Indian 'dancing' bear trade and become a world leader in bear research and bear cub care.