Bear bile has been a sought-after ingredient in traditional Vietnamese medicine for 3,000 years. Despite the Vietnamese government taking measures against the cruel keeping of bears, in 2005 by banning the sale and possession of bear bile, a high number of bile bear farms remains in operation. Most of these bears spend a sad existence in tiny metal cages. Bear bile is still extracted from many of them and still traded behind closed doors. But FOUR PAWS has been tirelessly working to end bear farming in Vietnam and rescue the remaining #SaddestBears.

BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh provides a new home for bears that have been rescued out of those terrible conditions. With access to both the indoor and outdoor enclosures, the bears can finally behave naturally again, after having spent years in dark and tiny cages. They can now choose to swim in the wading pools, climb on the high platforms specifically constructed for their needs, soak up the sun, play with other bears, forage for food or hide away in their dens when they want to relax.

Until now, we have been able to rescue and house more than 60 bears at BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh. Further bear rescue missions are already being planned.

There are many things to explore for visitors at the sanctuary. From the 300-meter-long skywalk, it's possible to observe the bears eating and playing peacefully in their outdoor enclosures. From there, one can experience the first interactive exhibition about the bear species in the whole of Vietnam! The guided tour gives visitors the chance to walk near the outdoor enclosure area of the sanctuary and learn about the emotional life stories of our bears. 

It is also possible to stop by our shop to purchase some authentic souvenirs or savour traditional Vietnamese vegetarian and vegan dishes at the on-site restaurant while enjoying the tranquil views across the sanctuary.