An Asiatic black bear (or “moon bear”) named “Tuffy” was recently rescued from the tiny cages of a bile farm and brought to a sanctuary in Vietnam.
He was elated when given the chance to play in water for the very first time; a video taken by Animals Asia shows him joyfully splashing around in his new oasis.
Named “Tuffy,” this bear had endured a lifetime of captivity without access to adequate space or water.
World Animal Protection writes, “Bears in Asia are captured for their bile, which is extracted using cruel, painful procedures and sold as traditional medicine. These captive bears suffer in filthy and cramped conditions, often in cages no bigger than phone booths.”
Tuffy’s gall bladder was severely damaged and needed to be removed. He also had damaged teeth and deep cracks in his paws.
Thankfully, he is now recovering at a bear sanctuary in Vietnam where he is given around-the-clock care and plenty of outdoor space to roam.
A spokesperson for Animals Asia stated that Tuffy loved the outdoors so much that he refused to return to his den the first few nights outside, instead choosing to sleep under the stars.
To assist with Tuffy’s care, or to learn more, visit Animal Asia’s bear sanctuary website.
Watch him play in water for the first time in his life:
Learn more about the bear bile trade and how you can help in the video below:
