A screenshot from the short film released by Education for Nature - Vietnam (ENV) to call for an end to bear bile farming. (Photo: ENV)Hanoi(VNA) – Education for Nature - Vietnam (ENV) has released a new short film calling for an end to bear bile farming which tells the story from acaptive bear’s perspective.
The film,titled Bear bile extraction is just a nightmare in the past, is part of along-term project between ENV and Four Paws International, World AnimalProtection and the Government of Vietnam to put an end to bear farming and promote protection ofwild bears.
The filmbegins with a bear lying inside a cold rusty cage, in extreme pain andhalf-concious because of anesthetic. He is then freed by his regretful farmowner who decides to bring him to a rescue centre for a better life.
Because ofhigh demand, bear bile farming used to be a profitable business for many bearowners, said ENV Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung. But since more andmore people turn their back on bear bile, more owners have voluntarily senttheir bears to rescue centres, she said.
“Through thisfilm, we expect more bear owners will voluntarily transfer their bears so thatthe captive bears will be able to receive better care at the rescue centres forthe rest of their lives,” she added.
In 2019 alone,ENV reported 34 bear individuals transferred to rescue centres across thecountry, of which 23 was released voluntarily.
The number ofbears in captivity in Vietnam declined from 4,300 in 2005 to 432 in Decemberlast year. So far, 34 cities and provinces nationwide have declared end to bearfarming./.
VNA
