Photos by: Animals Asia
For over 14 years, a bear that Animals Asia has named Cotton Blossom was held captive in a barren cage, robbed of her freedom and dignity in the Gia Lai province in Vietnam.
The poor bear has been within hours of rescue before restrictions caused by the coronavirus sabotaged the first attempt. Frustrated by the delay, the team at Animals Asia’s sanctuary planted a cotton blossom tree on the grounds of the Vietnam Bear Rescue Center as a promise to this bear that they would never forget about her or leave her behind. Now, three months later, Animals Asia kept that promise and has returned to rescue her.
With Animals Asia’s rescue team in action, this is the very start of a new life for this poor bear. New tastes, new sensations, new experiences, new environments, and new friendships all await her now. Hopefully with enough love and time, all of the suffering, pain, and fear will fade into distant memories.
Coronavirus has created fear, panic, loss, and heartbreak around the world. The sense of isolation and helplessness can be overwhelming. But we all take strength from the glimmers of hope and the snippets of kindness that remind us that we can get through this trying time – with courage and tenacity.
This amazing rescue by Animals Asia is Cotton Blossom’s saving grace for her courage and tenacity that has helped her survive. Please donate today to support her rescue which took Animals Asia’s team to a remote location; a military outpost on the Cambodian border. The rescue is only the beginning for Cotton Blossom, when she finally arrives at the sanctuary, she will need ongoing support and love to overcome nearly a decade and a half of neglect and confinement.
At her new home at the Vietnam Bear Rescue Center in Tam Dao National Park, preparations are being made for her arrival. A nutritious and varied feast is being prepared and the team are carefully devising an enrichment plan that will begin her rehabilitation.
