The rescue of five moon bears from a South Korean bile farm has reached a critical milestone, with veterinary professionals giving their seal of approval for the long-haul journey to a sanctuary in Suffolk. The 5,500-mile trek will bring an end to decades of confinement for these animals, who were once subjected to the inhumane practice of bear bile extraction, now banned in South Korea.
The 'Bears Behind Bars' campaign, led by Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park near Ipswich and its associated charity, Space for the Wild, has been instrumental in securing the bears' release. Founder Jimmy Doherty, who first encountered the animals on a trip to South Korea, spoke of his initial heartbreak at witnessing their suffering but noted a 'spark' that inspired him to fight for their rescue.
The ban on bear breeding and possession in South Korea, which came into effect towards the end of last year, has left an estimated 200 bears behind in similar conditions. The five moon bears set to travel to Suffolk have been held captive since 1998, with one animal having spent its entire life in a small cage.
A dedicated reserve is being constructed at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park to accommodate the incoming bears, but a definitive arrival date remains uncertain due to ongoing fundraising efforts. With over £50,000 already raised towards the target of £200,000, park director Stevie Sheppard highlighted the unprecedented nature of the transfer, noting that no moon bears have previously been brought to the UK from South Korea.
Chief Operating Officer Sarah Dawson stressed the substantial costs associated with the relocation, which includes flights, specialist crates, dedicated personnel, and comprehensive veterinary support. These expenses are being shouldered by the fundraising campaign, which continues to seek donations to cover the extensive costs involved in bringing these animals to their new home.