On 22/4, Animals Asia, in coordination with the Nghe An Forest Protection Department, Bach Ma National Park, and Regional Forest Protection Department 2, visited a household in Quang Dong commune (formerly Yen Thanh district) to conduct health checks on the two bears.

The health assessments confirmed the bears were fit for transport. Experts then anesthetized them and carefully placed them into specialized cages for their journey to the Vietnam Bear Rescue Center, located within Bach Ma National Park in Hue City, scheduled for the same day.

A female moon bear was kept in a metal cage at a household in Quang Dong commune. Photo: Animals Asia

A female moon bear was kept in a metal cage at a household in Quang Dong commune. Photo: Animals Asia

Moon bears, scientifically known as Ursus thibetanus, are classified as endangered, rare forest animals in Group IB. The household in Quang Dong commune kept the two bears, each weighing approximately 90 kg, in metal cages for over 20 years. Since 2005, the Nghe An Forest Protection Department had managed and monitored their health through implanted microchips.

Local authorities in Quang Dong commune recently persuaded the family, leading to their voluntary handover of the two moon bears.

The two female moon bears were named Chim Vang Anh (Oriole) and Cuc Cu (Cuckoo), names of birds that evoke images of freedom. Animals Asia stated that the names serve for identification and convey aspirations for their recovery journey at the rescue center.

Upon arrival, the two moon bears will undergo a minimum 30-day quarantine period for health observation before gradually integrating into a semi-natural environment.

Rescuing two moon bears kept in captivity for over 20 years. Video: Animals Asia

Currently, about 150 moon bears remain in captivity in households across Vietnam. These bears often endure cramped cages, suffer from bile extraction, and experience both physical and psychological harm. Many rescued bears are disabled, making their release back into the wild impossible.

This marks Animals Asia's third rescue operation in 2026. The organization has rescued 297 bears in Vietnam to date.

Nghe An province once had the highest number of captive bears nationwide, with over 570 bears recorded in 2005. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of local authorities, forest protection agencies, and conservation organizations, this number has sharply decreased to just over 10 bears.

By Duc Hung