Sussex TV Vet Helps Moonbears Sanctuary in China

TV vet and author Marc Abraham has returned from volunteering with pioneering animal welfare charity Animals Asia at their Moonbears sanctuary in Chengdu.

Over 10,000 bears, mainly Moonbears − named after the moon-like crescent on their chests − are cruelly exploited every day of their lives in barbaric conditions across China.

They are farmed for their precious bile to use in Chinese traditional medicine; it is extracted using various painful and invasive techniques.

Local vet Marc Abraham recently swapped his Southwick clinic for the Sichuan province sanctuary and lent a hand to ground breaking charity Animals Asia.

Veterinary surgeon Marc, current holder of CEVA’s prestigious Special Recognition Award for Animal Welfare, said: “The work Animals Asia is doing out there is phenomenal.

“It’s one thing rescuing tortured bears from horrific bile farms but a totally different ball game trying to re-educate the public and change their behaviour regarding animal welfare and cruelty – especially in a massive country with such strong and ancient traditions.”

Many bears are kept in tiny metal cages so small they are unable to even turn around or stand upright in.

Headed by Jill Robinson MBE, Animals Asia rescues, rehabilitates and releases these poor abused bears into enormous purpose-built safe enclosures.

These are complete with trees, climbing frames, toys, and treats to give these beautiful creatures happier lives, a chance to interact with other bears and exhibit natural foraging behaviour.

Animals Asia also actively raises awareness of animal welfare to the next generation through local schools and community groups.

Marc said: “I’ve long been a fan of the difficult work Animals Asia achieves in China so feel incredibly privileged to have been able to witness it first-hand and work alongside such a skilled, committed, and passionate team – even assisting in an operation to remove a fractured tooth.”

Animal welfare campaigner Marc, who’s currently lobbying the UK Government to end puppy farming with his PupAid.org e-petition which has accumulated over 85,000 signatures since May, can’t wait to return to Chengdu, saying: “Those bears have totally got under my skin so I’m already planning my next trip back to the Animals Asia sanctuary!”

For more info about Animals Asia visit www.animalsasia.org.

Words by Ceirney Eddie