Rescue Bear Cubs Mi and Tam

Two bear cubs saved from illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam

21.4.2023

Vietnamese authorities confiscated two Asiatic black bears in the Hai Phong province on 9th January 2019. The female bear cubs, only a few weeks old, fell victim to wildlife smugglers. We have taken the two bears into our care at BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh where they will receive intensive medical care.

"The bears are still very young, and the situation is critical, but we will do everything we can for their survival. The bear cubs were dehydrated when we took them over. Our team of veterinarians currently provides them with milk added with vitamins and probiotics. Although the bears only weigh 900 grams, both are quite strong and drink enough of the milk,"

FOUR PAWS Vietnam Animal Manager Emily Lloyd (11th of January 2019)

Mi and Tam are cared for around the clock by two bear keepers and fed with special puppy milk every 3 hours. After each feeding, the two take long naps in their soft, towel-lined and heated box in our darkened clinic.

Victims of the cruel illegal wildlife trade

There is no trace of the mother and the origin of the two cubs has not yet been determined. However, there is a high possibility that the bears were imported from Laos or came directly from bear farms in Vietnam. Details to the planned trade are currently unknown.

Since it is not possible to release the bears into the wild, the animals remain in the species-appropriate bear sanctuary in Ninh Binh.

The battle for bear cub Mi

We were really worried about the health status of Mi. After their rescue, we noticed that Mi is the smaller and weaker cub. We also noticed that Mi was having difficulty to coordinate her movements, while Tam was already able to stand normally. The FOUR PAWS Viet vet team together with external neurologists were trying to improve her condition through veterinary support and physiotherapy. She was responding well to the treatment and her coordination difficulties were mild. Fortunately, Mi gained weight, grew and became incredibly active over time, which are positive signs for her development.

Update January 2020

Mi and Tam have just 'celebrated' their one-year after arrival in our sanctuary (10th of January 2019). When they were rescued they were dehydrated, weak and just weighed 800 g and 900 g – today they are active, cheeky and weigh 35 kg and 37 kg! It’s unbelievable to see them in annual comparison.

Update June 2020

Mi and Tam have lived next to the enclosure of Lulu, Lili and Lac and have been curious about the bigger bears. Sometimes they even stand still and observe them while playing. Yesterday, Mi and Tam were introduced to Lulu, Lili and Lac for the very first time. They are doing really well together and playing a lot. Let’s hope the five will become really good friends!