See also: A year on – look at the Nanning bears now

A year on from Animals Asia's takeover of a Chinese bear farm - once characterised by desperate howls of pain - the bears’ smiles show how their lives have changed.

Where there was pain, suffering and boredom at Nanning Bear Farm - now good diet, medical care, toys, paddling pools, and training for their carers, have meant a world of change for the bears.

Meanwhile wider pressures mean plans continue to evolve - including the possibility of moving all the bears back to Animals Asia’s Chengdu sanctuary.

Jill Robinson Animals Asia founder said:

"This has been the biggest challenge Animals Asia has ever taken on.  It has thrown up daily issues that we have faced and one by one we've tackled and solved the problems. These bears have spent their whole lives being victims of cruelty – but all this ended when we took over the farm, and they have simply just had the best year of their lives. However, with obstacles still emerging, now we need to do more.

"Beyond improving the lives of the bears - within the current limitations of an old bear bile farm - the longer term plan has always been to get these bears out onto grass and into the sun."

The Nanning Project aim was to build a sanctuary on the current site. It remains an option. But with delays imposed upon the team - new scenarios are now being considered.

Jill explains:

"We were always committed to taking 30 bears back to our Chengdu sanctuary to free up enough space for development in Nanning. That became problematic when paperwork for their transfer was delayed, and delayed again despite the best efforts of many people involved.

“Because of the heightened awareness of bear bile farming, and because so many people are pledging never to take bile in a bid to join us in protecting moon bears, the issue is now an incredibly sensitive subject.  There's a nervousness surrounding the industry, and even those committed to our cause - will check, double check and look over their shoulder before giving the go-ahead to requests.

“The fact remains that if we hadn’t said yes to this rescue at the outset the bears would still be living in horrendous conditions, or sold, or dead.  We were their only chance of survival as there is no one but Animals Asia working in the field, rescuing and healing these bears. Whatever we do to help these bears - is more than anyone else can offer and that brings its own pressure.”

The subsequent delays have continued to hold up bear transfers and these, in turn have held up the development of plans. Meanwhile bear vet team and carers continue to ensure that the health and wellbeing of the bears improves almost daily.

Jill adds:

"The bears are so much better and happier than we could ever have hoped for in these 'cells' that we've worked so hard to turn into welcoming dens. They’ve known nothing else but deprivation and ill-health and this year, with stomachs full of fresh food, bodies free of pain, and minds active with playing and toys, they are completely different bears.  Meanwhile we're saying – this is just the start, be patient, and wait till you see what's to come. 

"Because of the delays we're now looking at a Plan B where we look at the possibility of taking all the bears back to our Chengdu sanctuary. It would mean more planning, more investment, and more construction to prepare their new sanctuary home. That would be offset with the fact that - on our 'home ground' we can move things a little bit faster. In the end - the important point is - we'll weigh up all the options and create a permanent home for these bears and we'll never give up on them".

Read how the Animals Asia team have restored the health of the Nanning bears and given them hope for the future.

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