Helping Moon Bears and More: Buddies for Paws Partnership with Animals Asia

Who?

Animals Asia is a leading animal welfare organisation dedicated to ending bear bile farming and improving the lives of animals across Asia. Founded in 1998 by Jill Robinson MBE, they are best known for rescuing Asiatic black bears, also known as moon bears, from the cruelty of the bile farming industry.

They currently operate three world-class sanctuaries in Vietnam and China, giving rescued bears the safe, peaceful, and dignified lives they deserve. But their mission goes further, protecting cats, dogs, elephants, and songbirds across Asia, proving that every animal deserves compassion and a life worth living.

Impressive Impact

• 700+ bears rescued from bile farms and the illegal wildlife trade
• 100,000 cats and dogs helped through their Cat and Dog Welfare programme
• 19 elephants cared for in sanctuaries
• 200,000 songbirds released back into the wild

Each number represents a life transformed and a step toward ending animal cruelty for good.

Ending Bear Bile Farming

At the heart of Animals Asia’s mission is ending the cruel practice of bear bile farming, where bears are kept in tiny cages and subjected to painful bile extraction for use in traditional medicine.

They work with governments, communities, and traditional medicine practitioners to replace bear bile with herbal and synthetic alternatives, protecting future generations of bears from suffering.

When bears are rescued, they receive:

• Expert medical care to heal both physical and emotional wounds
• Spacious natural enclosures to roam, climb, and play
• Nutritious, enriched diets to keep them healthy and engaged
• Lifelong care in a safe, loving environment

Meet Dew, Our Sponsored Bear

As part of our partnership with Animals Asia, Buddies for Paws proudly sponsors Dew, a moon bear rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.

Dew now lives in the Vietnam Bear Sanctuary, home to over 200 bears, where she enjoys open spaces, climbing frames, and foraging. After years in captivity, she has formed a close friendship with fellow survivor Soul. The two are now inseparable, often napping together after a busy day exploring.

Thanks to donations from our generous community and BONK’s 100% match, Buddies for Paws helps cover Dew’s food, veterinary care, and day-to-day needs. We’ll be sharing regular updates on Dew’s journey so you can see first-hand the difference your support makes.

“We are so thankful to have you as precious Dew’s Bear Guardians. Your support truly means the world to these bears, helping to end bear bile farming in Vietnam and protect moon bears for future generations.”

— Gill Maltby, Animals Asia

Why We Support Animals Asia

Buddies for Paws partners with charities that not only rescue and care for animals but also create long-term change. Animals Asia does both, combining compassion with advocacy, education, and sanctuary care.

When you donate through Buddies for Paws, your gift helps cover:

• Daily food and veterinary care for rescued bears and other animals across Asia
• Maintenance and expansion of sanctuary habitats
• Education programmes to end cruelty and promote animal welfare
• Emergency rescues from bile farms, markets, and trafficking

And with BONK matching every donation 100%, your impact is instantly doubled.

“It’s thanks to the support of organisations like BONK and Buddies for Paws that the lives of animals in Asia are improving. We’re incredibly grateful for this support, which makes a difference for bears, elephants, dogs, cats, and so many others.”

— Gill Maltby, Global Director of Partnerships, Animals Asia

Be a Buddy for Bears

We’re proud to support Animals Asia in their mission to end bear bile farming and give every rescued bear the safety, space, and dignity they deserve.

You can help today:

• Follow us on Instagram and X for updates on Dew
• Sign up for our newsletter for stories from our charity partners
• Donate through Buddies for Paws — every donation is matched by BONK

Together, we can build a better future for moon bears and all animals across Asia.