Bears rescued from a former bile farm in South Korea are set to embark on a 5,500-mile journey to a wildlife park in Suffolk, England. Vets have confirmed the animals are ready for transport to their new sanctuary, a move that has been a significant undertaking for the conservation organization Space for the Wild.
The organization has launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of £200,000, having already raised more than £50,000. Sarah Dawson, chief operating officer for Space for the Wild, explained that the extensive travel and the care required for the bears contribute to the high cost. "It's a long way here from South Korea and they've had a very difficult life. We want to make sure they're as comfortable as possible on the flight here," Dawson stated. The expenses include the cost of transport crates, dedicated animal handlers for the flights, veterinary care, and logistical necessities such as forklift trucks to load the specialized crates onto aircraft.
Bears kept on bile farms endure conditions that are detrimental to their health and well-being. These facilities often involve extracting bile from live bears for use in traditional medicine, a practice that causes immense suffering. The relocation to a dedicated sanctuary aims to provide the animals with a safe environment where they can live without further exploitation. The new home in Suffolk has been prepared to accommodate the specific needs of the rescued bears, offering them space and specialized care.
The journey is expected to be complex, involving international logistics and specialized animal transport protocols to ensure the bears' safety and comfort throughout the 5,500-mile flight. The campaign continues to seek public support to cover the remaining costs associated with the rescue and relocation mission.