On January 9th 2013, six lucky moon bears arrived at Animals Asia's Bear Rescue Centre in Chengdu -- the only sanctuary in China built to care for bears rescued from the barbaric practice of bile farming. Battered and broken from their time on an illegal bear farm, these bears are already starting to mend under the expert care of Animals Asia's dedicated vet team.
And while the nightmare is over for these six bears, across China more than 10,000 moon bears remain in tiny cages never feeling the sun on their backs or grass under their feet. They can be kept like this for up to 30 years. This cruel practice continues despite the availability of many effective and affordable alternatives.
Animals Asia applauds the Chinese Government for rescuing these six bears and closing the illegal farm, but the suffering of 10,000 must be made a priority and a firm date set when bear farming will end! Add your name to our petition today!
Dear Ambassador Cui Tiankai,
I'd like to express my sincerest appreciation to the Sichuan Forestry Department (SFD) for the rescue of six bears in January, which were transferred from a bile farm to the care of Animals Asia, at the China Bear Rescue Centre near Chengdu.
This rescue is a sign of the ongoing agreement between the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) and Animals Asia to rescue bears from the bear bile farming industry, and work to stop the practice of bear bile farming. I applaud the Sichuan Forestry Department's actions wholeheartedly.
I have seen media reports showing that the Chinese people have called for an end to bear bile farming. Their voice has never been so loud on this issue. I am delighted to know that most Chinese people, including many officials, want to see the bear bile farming industry brought to an end.
Please forward my thanks to the Sichuan Forestry Department. I hope you will also add your voice and encouragement to the growing call from within China and across the world, to end bear bile farming. I urge you to support Animals Asia, the CWCA and SFD in their work to end this barbaric and unnecessary industry once and for all.
[Your comments will be inserted here.]
Yours respectfully,
[Your name here]
