Torn from his mother by traffickers and rescued as a traumatised cub in a remote district of Vietnam by Animals Asia – sun bear Goldie is finally learning how to play and explore.

Goldie was just six months old when he was rescued in April this year. He recently completed a quarantine period at the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre and is now growing in confidence as he adjusts to his new-found freedom.

Right now he’s the only sun bear of his age at the sanctuary – so his carers will monitor his growth. Once he’s big and strong enough to hold his own amongst older sun bears he will be assessed for integration.

His carers were in awe this week as previously shy Goldie ventured outside his den and delighted in playing with a puzzle feeder. The toy, fashioned from bamboo containing pieces of food, is perfect for foraging for a curious and playful young cub.

Sarah Dempsey, Bear Manager at the centre, said:

“These are the first photos we have of Goldie in his enclosure. They show just what an adorable and charming cub he is. These scenes of him pawing at the feeder and happily chewing the vegetables show the progress he has made since we rescued him in April near the Laos border.

It’s believed Goldie’s mother had most likely been killed by poachers. If they hadn’t been apprehended Goldie would most likely have ended up in a bear bile farm.

Animals Asia Bear and Vet Team Director - Annemarie Weegenaar said:

“From the outset it was clear that Goldie was a very traumatised bear – as you might imagine given how he was taken from his mother so early. Physically he is getting stronger. His new surroundings and a settled existence will now continue his mental rehabilitation. As a young bear Goldie may well have 30 years of sanctuary life ahead of him. Our aim is to make them extremely happy.”

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