Help Us Give Bears a Second Chance: Support Free the Bears

GoFundMe campaign for Free the Bears GOAL $10,000

Do you want to join us in making a difference?

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.

Our team of 10 dedicated wildlife care professionals will join the Free the Bears team in Laos this October to volunteer our time and skills. We’re a range of vet, vet nurse, zookeepers, managers and experts in emergency response - many of whom have years of experience volunteering with Free the Bears. 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.

• Emergency drills, review protocols, feedback systems and set up schedule for next 3 years identifying specific behaviours and skills to test for in each drill.

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.

Join us in making a difference. Support Free the Bears today and help us turn hope into reality for bears in need.

Thank you from,

Jason Savage, Nene Haggar, Holly Thompson, Rob Herkes, Lisa Gleaves, Teagan Behrns, Taylor Hawkins, Lauren Sumner, Anuradha Jayasinghe and the Free The Bears Team.