LAOS

Free the Bears

Embark on a unique journey to the Free the Bear Conservation Center, nestled near Nam Dong Park, just 40 km from the heart of Luang Prabang. This engaging 3-hour Bear Care Tour offers a profound connection with nature as you explore the bear sanctuary, hospital and enclosures. You’ll meet dedicated bear carers and gain insights into the lives of these magnificent creatures. Through interactive games, including a giant treasure hunt, you’ll deepen your understanding of different bear species while having fun. Choose from a morning session (9 am to 12 pm) or an afternoon adventure (1:30 pm to 4:30 pm) and make memories that last a lifetime.

The Bear Care Tour at Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary provides a captivating and immersive experience for wildlife enthusiasts. On this tour, you’ll explore the sanctuary and meet the resident Sun bears and Moon bears, with a chance to also spot other fascinating animals like Golden cats, gibbons, macaques, red pandas and jackals.

You’ll learn about the inspiring work of Free the Bears, including the organization’s origins, its sanctuaries in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the stories of bears rescued in India. Gain insights into the rescue and care processes at the sanctuary in Laos, and hear about plans for future animal releases. The tour also includes a Q&A session where you can ask questions and exchange information. Conclude your visit by creating enrichment treats for the bears and watching them delight in their snacks. 

History & Achievements

Bear bile farming is a severe threat to Asia’s bear populations. Despite being illegal in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, bear bile farming persists, with an estimated 200 bears remaining in Vietnamese farms (down from 4,300 in 2005) and under 100 in Laos as of 2023. Most bears in these farms are captured from the wild, contributing to the decline of wild bear populations.

To combat this, Free the Bears works with governments to strengthen laws and increase enforcement, promotes synthetic and herbal alternatives to bear bile, and educates consumers about the cruelty of bear bile farms. To date, Free the Bears has rescued over 1,000 bears from some of the world’s most vulnerable species, providing ongoing care at sanctuaries in three countries and expanding to accommodate more rescues.