The last 153 bears: a promise to keep

When Na stepped into the sunlight for the first time, it marked the end of two decades of darkness and the beginning of something bigger.

After 20 years confined to a metal cage on a bear bile farm, Na was finally rescued. Her teeth were broken, her paw was missing and her body bore the scars of years of exploitation. But thanks to caring people like you, and the combined efforts of World Animal Protection, Vietnam’s Forest Protection Department and Four Paws, she is now safe at FOUR PAWS Sanctuary, surrounded by grass, trees and the care she needs to thrive. 

Na’s rescue was a powerful reminder that change is possible. But the fight isn’t over – 153 bears are still waiting to be rescued from bile farms in Vietnam. 

The final push to end bear bile farming in Vietnam 

For years, World Animal Protection and our partners have been working with the Vietnamese government to end the cruel bear bile industry once and for all. Across most of the country, bear bile farming has been phased out. But in Vietnam, 153 bears remain trapped behind bars – a heartbreaking reminder of why this work must continue. 

Every day they wait, they endure pain, neglect and isolation. These intelligent, social animals were meant to roam forests, not suffer in cages. 

With your help, we can end this. 

Your support powers rescues, funds sanctuary care and strengthens government partnerships that empowers farmers to surrender their bears. And this holiday season, your gift will go twice as far – matched dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000 to help free the remaining 153 bears in Vietnam. 

Together, we can keep our promise 

When Na was rescued, her freedom symbolized hope for every bear still waiting. Now, we have the chance to make that hope a reality. 

This could be the year we end bear bile farming in Vietnam for good. But only if we act now. 

🐻 Give before midnight on December 31 to have your gift matched and help free the last 153 bears.  

Match my gift

*Your gift will be matched up to $150,000 until midnight (EST) on December 31, 2025, thanks to The Alan and Patricia Koval Foundation, Sakura’s Hope Foundation, Highbury Foundation and Sharon Stephenson. The first month of new monthly gifts will be matched until the match is met. Every dollar raised beyond the match will help protect even more animals.

Banner photo: Cam, the bear, still in his cage at the bile farm before his rescue. He is now safe at FOUR PAWS Sanctuary. (Photo: World Animal Protection)