Animals Asia Review 2010

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 1 Milestones 2010 The Year of the Tiger Animals Asia rescued 51 bears from the bile industry in 2010 — 11 in and 40 in . This brings to 351 the total number of bears rescued at end-2010. August: We co-organised the 2nd China Urban Dog January: We closed Vietnam’s first entire bear farm Management Symposium in Nanjing, which brought — 19 bears rescued from stifling cargo containers. together dog-management officials and animal- January: Our Professor Paws team, along with protection organisations from 27 Chinese cities to over 30 volunteers, played host to 170 discuss best practice in dog management. primary schoolchildren at a special Fun Day. October: The Chinese government ordered zoos to February: More than 30 shops from four Chinese end circus-style performances — two months after pharmacy chains became the first retailers to join we released a report on the cruelty of these shows. Animals Asia’s new campaign to end the use of bear bile products in traditional Chinese medicine.

March: China’s former head veterinarian, the editor of the country’s most respected literary magazine, and a member of the National People’s Congress (NPC) all submitted proposals to end bear farming to the NPC and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. October April: Shandong, China became bear-farm free with the closure of the province’s last farm — 20 out of October: Our China team, with the help of 20 eager 31 mainland Chinese provinces have now closed all Dr Dogs, held a World Animal Day event attended by their farms. hundreds in a huge shopping precinct in .

November: Animals Asia launched a redesigned logo and a new tagline: “Until the cruelty ends”.

December: Our Moon Bear Rescue Centres in China and Vietnam each received the prestigious 2010 Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence.

December: An Animals Asia survey found that 93 per cent of Vietnam’s traditional medicine practitioners oppose bear bile farming and 76 per cent have never prescribed bear bile. April

May: Animals Asia convinced Alibaba.com, the world’s largest online business-to-business e-commerce site, to ban subscribers from listing bear bile products, as well as the fur and meat of cats and dogs.

July: We rescued five moon bears from an illegal bile farm in Vietnam’s scenic Ha Long Bay after three years of campaigning for their release. May

2 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org LETTER FROM

Dear friends,

If it wasn’t for the sight of bears romping outside my window as they enjoy the sheer pleasure of being alive, I’m not sure that I would quite believe how much has happened in the past 10 years since our Moon Bear Rescue began in October 2000.

Back then, our very first rescued bear, Andrew, inspired the term, “majestic bear”, and our admiration and respect for him, and the other bears rescued since, has only grown. Today, so very sadly missed since he passed away in February 2006, Andrew’s legacy lives on as his magnificent statue looks out across the beautiful bear enclosures and the special friends he left behind, still enjoying their days.

Andrew’s grave carries the message, “We are not weaker without you but stronger because of you” — motivating, inspiring and moving us progressively closer to the final goal of ending bear farming in China and Vietnam.

Now, with hundreds of lucky bears rescued, and hundreds of thousands of people rising up against bear farming in Asia, I am thankful for the generosity and support of so many friends across the globe.

Recent years have seen our strategic plan driving this work, whether it is the practical rescue and related research, government lobbying, public education or media support. Because of the sheer will of the people — especially in China — the climate has changed beyond all belief and, together with our Chinese staff, I “feel” the end of bear farming is within our grasp.

Similarly with our other spearhead campaigns — Cat and Dog Welfare, and Action against Cruelty — our staff and the groups we work with across Asia and the world are driven and empowered, and the officials with whom we’ve been working for so many years are helping to accelerate this momentum of change.

A decade ago, there was only one registered animal group in China fighting for the cause. Today over 50 organisations around the country are exposing the ugly truth of animal cruelty and exploitation. Our work, with your help, will continue to help these groups break down the cage bars.

I hope you enjoy this latest “Review” of our work. With our grateful thanks to you, as always, for your part in this journey of a thousand miles.

Jill Robinson MBE Founder and CEO Animals Asia Foundation

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 3 10 years on — and 20 Chinese provinces now bear-farm free

Ten years ago, Animals Asia We also received unprecedented signed an agreement with the support for our work in March Bears on film Chinese authorities to rescue 500 from members of the National In May, we released our new bears from bile farms and to work People’s Congress and Chinese short documentary, “Moon Bear together to end bear bile farming. People’s Political Consultative Rescue: A Decade On…”, which Today, we’re well on the way to Conference, who submitted chronicles the first 10 years of reaching that goal. proposals to end bear farming to our work to end bear farming. the two sessions. Among them At end-2010, a total of 277 bears Narrated by Jill, the film exposes were former head veterinarian had been brought home to our the reality behind the bear bile Mr Jia You Lin, and chief editor Chengdu sanctuary and, with industry and shows rescued farm of China’s most popular cultural the help of the China Wildlife bears enjoying their first taste of magazine “Reading”, Mdm Jia Conservation Association, we had freedom after years in cages. Bao Lan. convinced 20 of mainland China’s We are indebted to wonderful 31 provinces to end bear farming. Animals Asia in 2010 convinced Hong Kong supporters Henry and In April, with our dramatic rescue Alibaba.com, the world’s largest Kitty Wong who sponsored the of 10 bears from a run-down online business-to-business entire film production. Grateful farm, Shandong became the 20th e-commerce site, to ban thanks also to Charles Edwards bear-farm free province. subscribers from listing bear bile and all at The Media Village in products (as well as the fur and In February, we launched a Hong Kong for directing and meat of cats and dogs). campaign calling on pharmacies producing to end the use of bear parts in We ended the year on a positive the film. traditional Chinese medicine, and note, with both our China and were thrilled when 33 Chengdu Vietnam rescue centres receiving drugstores agreed to place prestigious 2010 Carole Noon stickers in their shops declaring Awards for Sanctuary Excellence they did not sell bear parts. in December.

4 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org End Bear Farming

Oliver free at last after 30 years

Oliver is one of 10 bears we rescued in April from the last bile farm in Shandong province, driving them 2,400km across China to our sanctuary in Sichuan. This poor bear spent a total of 30 years on farms — first on a farm in Jilin province and later at the Shandong farm. As with eight of the other bears rescued that day, Oliver — a brown bear — had been wearing a barbaric metal jacket that kept his bile-draining catheter in place. These are illegal and it had been ripped out by the farmer just before our arrival to pick up the bears.

When we arrived, Oliver was After two days’ driving, our vets Greeted with oxygen tanks and depressed and in intense pain. feared Oliver would die without hot-water bottles, our vets set to His thin body was strangely surgery to remove his infected work. Four hours later, Oliver’s misshapen — short legs and gall bladder. So we headed to the gall bladder was out, and his vital big head. nearest hospital — in Shanxi. signs had stabilised.

Late the next night, we arrived at Weeks later, Oliver was moved Soon Oliver was well enough the sanctuary with the 10 bears. into a roomy den. Despite his to go outside — and today, By 4am, Oliver was safely in our limited mobility, he played for this shockingly abused bear is sanctuary hospital recovering hours with hanging tyres and enjoying every minute of every from his surgery. bear-sized toys. day he has left with us.

Jonah comes home Jonah, a young moon bear, arrived at our China sanctuary in August from a farm in Dandong, Liaoning Province. He had been farmed for six years and was wearing a shocking metal jacket. Like 30-year-old Oliver, Jonah is sadly misshapen, with a long body and short legs. Grateful thanks to the officials who kindly confiscated Jonah.

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 5 End Bear Farming

Chinese pharmacy chains join campaign to end bear bile use

More than 30 shops from four popular Chinese pharmacy chains became the first retailers to join Animals Asia’s new campaign to end the use of bear bile products in traditional Chinese medicine.

Thirty-three drug stores in Chengdu, Sichuan province, now have their doors and counters emblazoned with stickers proclaiming: “We don’t sell bear parts”.

In February, Animals Asia visited the stores, handing out stickers and buying any bear bile in stock. The bile was burnt on the street, attracting much attention from passers-by. Jill charms China The sticker crusade, part of our In September, Jill was thrilled to ongoing “Healing without Harm” receive the “You Bring Charm to campaign, was launched on 9 China” award in recognition of February, the anniversary of the her work to end bear farming. Dr death of three-legged Andrew Dame Jane Goodall presented from liver cancer in 2006. the award to Jill at a ceremony in Beijing. The event was organised Andrew was the first moon bear by Phoenix Satellite Television rescued by Animals Asia. Now and Tianjin TV to recognise 12 this majestic bear’s iconic image prominent foreigners who have is featured on the sticker. enriched life in China.

Rupert joins Franzi In 2010, we sadly said goodbye to Rupert, our much- loved “bear of little brain”. Rupert finally succumbed to his injuries — less than a year after he lost his constant companion, Franzi, a tiny elderly bear. Poor Rupert was brain-damaged from his treatment on the farm, but despite his disability, he lived with us happily for 10 years, spending most of his time pottering around in a safe enclosure with little Franzi — their own “Secret Garden”.

6 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org 40 more moon bears rescued in Vietnam

It’s been a big year for rescues behind the scenes, building up ketamine — restrained with in Vietnam, with our Moon Bear trust among government leaders ropes and repeatedly jabbed in Rescue Centre taking in a total of and within the traditional medicine the abdomen with unsterilised 40 bears in 2010. community. four-inch needles until the gall bladder is found. The bile is then The year started on a high note Bear bile farming has been illegal extracted with a pump. when, on 18 January, Animals in Vietnam since 1992, but over Asia for the first time closed an 4,000 bears remain trapped on In 2005, Animals Asia signed an entire bear bile farm in Vietnam. farms. Bile extraction is extremely agreement with the Vietnamese The bears had been trapped in painful for the bears. In Vietnam, government to rescue 200 bears suffocating 40ft cargo containers they are drugged — usually and care for them at our sanctuary on the outskirts of Binh Duong with the illegal anaesthetic, in Tam Dao near Hanoi. province near Ho Chi Minh City.

In July, we rescued five moon bears from an illegal bile farm in Vietnam’s scenic Ha Long Bay after three years of campaigning for their release.

We also ended the year on a high note. An Animals Asia survey in December found that 93 per cent of Vietnam’s traditional medicine practitioners opposed bear bile farming and 76 per cent had never prescribed bear bile. But perhaps most exciting of all is the progress our Vietnam team is making

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 7 End Bear Farming

Five bears come ‘home’ to Tam Dao after 3-year campaign

Animals Asia secured the release A tale of two cubs to use their X-ray equipment, of five moon bears from an illegal and soon our suspicions were bile farm in Vietnam’s Ha Long Two tiny moon bear cubs, Chien confirmed — Chien Thang’s Bay in July 2010 after three years Thang and Xin Xin, arrived at our hind leg was fractured, just one of campaigning. Tam Dao sanctuary in June after of many insults he had endured being confiscated from a bile farm The five — four male and one during his terrifying journey from in Dien Bien province. female — are among 24 bears the wild. that have been the subject Weighing in at 4-5kg, Xin Xin Fortunately the break was clean of an international campaign was in good health, but little and no surgery was required. spearheaded by Animals Asia Chien Thang limped weakly With a little time and love, his leg and supported by 13 foreign along behind his sister. A nearby was soon healing nicely. embassies and other animal hospital kindly allowed our staff welfare and conservation groups after the farm holding them was raided by police.

Some of the bears displayed signs of malnutrition, one was missing a front limb and others had head scars, broken teeth and severely cracked paws. All needed their damaged gall bladders removed.

Grateful thanks to those supporters who wrote to the Vietnamese government calling for the bears’ release.

8 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org End Bear Farming

Catatract surgery for A cataract in such a young bear carers decided to leave her on her brave sun bear cub is probably due to poor nutrition own. Now she happily interacts or an injury when she was very with the other cubs through the Sassy, a small sun bear cub young. Sassy had a number of safety of bars. Later when she is who arrived with us in July with other injuries when she arrived bigger and stronger, she will be a litany of problems, was one of at our rescue centre, including moved into the special enclosure the lucky bears treated by UK problems with the shoulder and for sun bears. eye specialists who visited our elbow joints of her left foreleg and Our sincere thanks again to the Vietnam sanctuary in August. an infected wound on her face. kind people at Animal Health Her canine teeth had been cut to Trust, who have done so much Sassy, previously nicknamed gum level by her captors, causing over the years for our bears in “Olive” now has some sight an infection on her muzzle. in her left eye thanks to China and Vietnam. ophthalmologists Claudia and Once she had recovered from David from Animal Health Trust, surgery, Sassy was moved into a who removed a cataract from the bear den in River House next door eye. This is a delicate operation to two little moon bear cubs, Xin and we were extremely lucky Xin and Chien Thang. (See their to have such highly qualified story on page 8.) veterinary ophthalmologists Unfortunately, attempts to performing the surgery on our integrate the three cubs left Sassy precious little bear. agitated and stressed, so her Our biggest Vietnam rescue yet — a whole farm

Just weeks into the New Year, survived for just a week, proves kitchen for 14 years and brought Animals Asia rescued 19 moon beyond doubt that bears are still to our sanctuary in November bears from cramped 40ft cargo being poached in the wild and 2009. Named “Zebedee” by containers at an illegal bile farm brought to bear farms. (Italia his generous sponsor, he has a near Ho Chi Minh City. could not have become pregnant roomy den and access to a grassy on the bile farm as she was in outdoor enclosure. Zebedee is To date, this is our biggest rescue solitary confinement.) special friends with Henry, one in Vietnam, and the first time we of the bears rescued from cargo have closed an entire farm. containers in January 2010. Tragically, the rescue came too late for Raspberry, a female bear whose internal organs were literally rotting away, and for little “Tiger”, the male cub who was born just days after his mother, Italia, arrived at the sanctuary.

Our vets said Raspberry’s abdomen was so necrotic and ravaged with disease that Into the sunshine his organs were completely unrecognisable. You’ll remember “Misa Hai”, the bear kept in a Vietnamese couple’s The birth of little Tiger, who

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 9 End Bear Farming

Vietnam’s top doctor warns bear bile tonics can kill

In 2010, Vietnam’s top traditional medicine practitioner warned consumers to stop taking bear bile products or risk liver and kidney damage — even death. Dr Nguyen Xuan Huong (right), has joined Animals Asia’s campaign to end bear bile farming after seeing the shocking effects of bile consumption on some of his patients, including two government officials who died after taking bear bile tonics.

Dr Huong, who is Chairman of the Traditional Medicine Association of Vietnam — and carries the title bile mixed with wine as a health of People’s Doctor, the highest I’ve read 17,000 traditional tonic. By the time he arrived at ranking position in the country’s medicine formulas and only Dr Huong’s Hanoi clinic, his body medical profession — has treated six mentioned the use of bear was covered in dark patches and 10 patients for bear bile poisoning his fingernails and toenails were bile and even then, its use is since 1985, including two he black and later fell off. Dr Huong couldn’t save. minimal and it has little effect. treated the man for a year with People should never use bear herbal medicine to improve liver Dr Huong’s last bear bile patient bile. Eighty per cent of those function but he died from the was in 2006 — a 55-year-old man consuming bear bile will have poisoning. He said the man looked from Hanoi who had consumed like the man pictured above, who too much bear bile and was liver damage from drinking was also being treated for bear jaundiced. His diagnosis was even 2cc, and if you mix it with bile poisoning. damage to the liver caused by the rice wine, the damage will be bear bile. He successfully treated worse.... “In each of these 10 cases, all this patient, but for others it was had damage to the liver and in too late. ...Bear bile serves a purpose in most cases, the liver was almost bears. It aids in their digestion, gone — the part that was left Dr Huong said that when the just as human bile aids in was swollen, necrotic and hard,” Director of Construction in Quang Dr Huong said. “Bear bile also Ninh Province came to him in our digestion. It goes against causes kidney failure.” He said 1995, it was already too late — his nature for humans to consume other symptoms included loss skin was yellow, he couldn’t walk bile from bears; it attacks the of appetite, fatigue, red eyes, or talk and he had severe cirrhosis organs — and the bears’ become aches and pains, blood in the of the liver. He died two weeks ill when their bile is extracted. urine and severe dehydration as later aged 50. The director had Bile is obviously different in well as perspiration. consumed bear bile mixed with each species and is there to wine for virility. Dr Huong said bear bile was serve the animal in whose body rarely used in authentic traditional Dr Huong’s second fatal case was it exists. medicine and was far more in 2002 — a 75-year-old Hanoi likely to be sold as a “cure” for doctor had taken 2cc of bear — Dr Nguyen Xuan Huong hangovers or impotence.

10 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org End Bear Farming

Our new logo EU Parliament seminar partner working on bear issues and tagline in China. Mr Cao emphasised In November, Jill, Toby and our the support we received from the After many months of consult- Animal Welfare Director, David public, saying that since Animals ations, we are proud to present Neale joined members of the China Asia’s bear sanctuary was our new logo and tagline. Wildlife Conservation Association established, he has seen many to attend a special seminar at the concrete examples of animal European Parliament in Brussels. welfare moving forward.

“Bear farming, animal cruelty Mr Cao called for the closure and the development of animal of more farms that don’t meet protection in China” was hosted by the current industry standards Our new logo is a modification Carl Schlyter MEP, Peter Skinner and said he hoped the CWCA of our old logo and still features MEP and Eva-Britt Svensson could be involved in future public “Xie Sheung” (meaning “Lucky”), MEP. The seminar provided our education initiatives to raise one of the nine bears Jill helped government partners with the awareness of the alternatives to to rescue from a bile farm in opportunity to discuss their bear bile in traditional medicine. Huizhou, Guangdong province involvement in closing down bear back in 1995. farms and their support for an end The seminar was supported to the farming of bears for their by over 50 MEPs representing Our new tagline, “Until the cruelty bile. Jill, Toby and Dave spoke at 13 European countries and all ends” reflects our long-term the seminar. major political parties within the commitment to animals in Asia. European Parliament. A number We believe it also reflects the We were particularly delighted to of MEPs have now committed to dedication and commitment of hear Mr Cao Liang from the CWCA continuing this dialogue in future our supporters, many of whom praise Animals Asia as a good EU-China delegation meetings. have been with us from the start.

New office in Beijing Karen lends talent to bear campaign

Animals Asia has opened a small Long-standing supporter, superstar Karen Mok, who recently office in Beijing, about 10km from agreed to be our new Animals Asia Patron, has starred in two the State Forestry headquarters. striking public service announcements for the bears. The office is used by our Director of External Affairs, China, Toby Karen’s first announcement, “Stain”, which will be played Zhang, who spends around half throughout Asia, likens the intelligence of a moon bear to that of a his time in the capital lobbying child, while “Poison” targets consumers and highlights the health lawmakers, attending meetings risks of taking bile. Poison is already showing on TV screens right with government departments, throughout China. and building relations with the influential Beijing media.

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 11 Creating a better world for companion animals

It was a busy 2010 for our China running a shelter and vaccination and Hong Kong companion- to budgeting and fundraising. Animals Asia’s animal teams, with thousands of therapy dog visits: schoolchildren, hospital patients, More than 250 registered therapy small animal-welfare groups dogs and their guardians now 2010/2010 school year and, of course, dogs and cats volunteer in 10 Asian cities, CHINA benefiting from our Cat and Dog including Chengdu, Shenzhen Dr Dog: Welfare programme. and Guangzhou in mainland 91 visits China, spreading their special 33 organisations Our two main campaigns — brand of comfort and love to those “Friends or Food”, which aims in need in hospitals, orphanages, Professor Paws: to end cat and dog eating, and schools and centres for the 22 visits “Animal Therapy” (our pioneering disabled. We feel these dogs 13 schools Dr Dog and Professor Paws are the perfect ambassadors for programmes) — continue to grow their species (as well as for cats) HONG KONG from strength to strength. and hope that people will grow to Dr Dog: love all animals through their love 150 visits Today, around 50 fledgling of these companion animals. 80 institutions animal-welfare groups through- out China have joined our Dr Dog is run by affiliate groups Professor Paws: campaign to improve the welfare in countries other than China. (Sept 2009 to Aug 2010) of companion animals and to end 133 school visits the terrible trade in cats and dogs 22 schools for their meat and fur. Animals 1,802 students Asia is helping these groups, providing educational materials for their public education events and advice on everything from

12 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org Cat and Dog Welfare

Fun Day for children and their professors

The year started off well with Later, the amazing our Professor Paws team in Hong Kong Police Hong Kong, along with over Dog Unit gave a 30 volunteers and 20 therapy demonstration to dogs, hosting 170 primary the children on schoolchildren at a special Fun dog training and Day to kick off the new school obedience. With term in January. the help of the kind officers and their The children, many of them with Belgian shepherds, social disadvantages, spent the children learned the day enjoying a series of just how intelligent fun educational activities in the dogs are. company of their enthusiastic and gentle “professors”. Most The children left with smiles importantly, they had the from ear to ear and with the opportunity to sit and interact knowledge that animals have with their own “professor”, feelings, and need and deserve learning how to brush, pet, feed to be loved and cared for, just and walk their dog. like the rest of us. Promoting better dog management

In August 2010, we co-hosted from around China to discuss best possible to reduce dog bites the 2nd China Urban Dog practice in dog management, as and encourage greater owner Management Symposium in well as educational initiatives responsibility. Nanjing, bringing together dog- to encourage responsible dog management officials and animal- ownership and the development We also appealed for the protection organisations from 27 of guidelines to benefit people introduction of a nationwide Chinese cities to discuss best and dogs alike. rabies vaccination programme practice in dog management. for dogs. Through these forums, Our Animal Welfare Director, we hope to see the authorities The workshop, hosted by Animals David Neale, and our China Cat adopting such regulations in Asia and the Nanjing Animal and Dog Welfare Manager, Irene participating cities, and building Protection Association (Nanjing Feng, discussed the development relationships with local animal- Ping An Fu), was sponsored by of responsible dog-ownership protection groups to co-operate the Humane Society International schemes and the need to on dog-management issues. and supported by the Nanjing regulate the breeding and sale of Public Secuirty Bureau. puppies to reduce over-breeding and abandonment, and to ensure The gathering brought together the welfare of breeding dogs. government representatives with overall control of dog- The representatives were management regulations, and encouraged to consider some animal-protection organisations of the many humane measures

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 13 Cat and Dog Welfare

Winter campaign targets dog-eating

This campaign reached • Wuhan Stray Dog Rescue thousands of people, thanks to Centre held a roadshow and the co-operation and dedication walked through the downtown of ordinary people in China, those area with posters. who care about the welfare of • Zhang Zhou Small Animal animals and are committed to Protection Centre held a New working for change in their own Year awareness day. country. We cannot thank these Our China team led a winter individuals and groups enough. • Nan Ning Stray Cat Rescue media campaign to encourage Forum and Xi’an Red Guave While we support their activities, consumers to say “no” to dog and Companion Animal Rescue they support us in return with cat meat. Thirty-three Chinese Centre held a cycle rally and local knowledge, grassroots groups joined us in calling on distributed leaflets. campaigns and raising awareness their local media not to advertise where it counts, on the ground, dog and cat meat or promote it in • Home of Love shut down creating lasting change. other ways. an illegal slaughterhouse and rescued 16 “meat dogs”. At right, is just a sampling of Animals Asia provided 28 animal- the many activities held by our welfare groups or individuals with • Guangyuan Boai Small Animal affiliated groups throughout the 32,000 leaflets, 3,500 posters and Protection Centre also shut down winter in China. 700 DVDs to distribute over the an illegal slaughterhouse. colder winter months when dog The events were reported widely • Shi Jia Zhuang Yi Mi Ai Stray and cat meat is traditionally more and positively in the local media: Cat Group drove cars around with popular in China. prominent banners and posters. Challenge for Pet Cadets

The Pet Cadet Challenge throughout the school grounds. was designed to bring out Challenges included card games, the competitive spirit in these quizzes, worksheets, fun games students while teaching them with visuals and interaction with the importance of responsible Animals Asia’s therapy dogs. pet care, how to read dogs’ body The most popular challenges language, appropriate pets to were most certainly those with the adopt, the all-important “Dos dogs! Learning to pet, brush, feed and Don’ts” around dogs, giving and walk them. Children were treats, brushing and walking a dog also encouraged to hug and kiss and, of course, how to approach a Animals Asia’s first ever Professor their gentle “professors”! dog safely for the first time. Paws Pet Cadet Challenge on All teams performed brilliantly 27 November 2010 saw Hong The students joined teams led under the guidance of our ded- Kong’s Shatin College alive with by their “big brothers/sisters” icated volunteers, who ensured wagging tails and the sound of from Shatin College and also the children left understanding children’s laughter. More than 160 Royal Veterinary College vet the message we continue to eager government primary school nursing students from Hong drive home, that all animals have students, 40 volunteers and 14 Kong Polytechnic. Teams worked feelings and needs, and deserve therapy dogs converged on the together to complete educational our love, respect and care. school to join in the fun. challenges that were scattered

14 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org Cat and Dog Welfare

Celebrating our friends on World Animal Day

looked happier as they trotted over to receive their awards and pose for photographers.

Jill’s speech ended with our World Animal Day wish — a plea to stop breeding dogs, and to think instead of the victims of this exploding industry — the animals who end up living lives of misery on the streets or in shelters waiting for homes that never come.

Our Dr Dog, Professor Paws and Some of the recipients of our Dr Our team co-ordinated many China PR teams worked flat out Dog programme entertained the different activities around China to celebrate World Animal Day audience, including a little blind and co-operated with 13 animal- (WAD) 2010 and raise awareness girl, a little boy with a serious welfare organisations to hold an of animal welfare across China. bone disease, and a group of online photo contest in China in children from the Guangzhou September 2010 — the “Sharing Our China team held a superb School for the Deaf who “signed” love with them” Photo Contest. World Animal Day event in a huge a beautiful song about China. Hundreds of people who have shopping precinct in Guangzhou. allowed dogs, cats and other About 20 of our gentle Dr Dogs The dogs of course were not animals into their lives, uploaded came along with their proud forgotten, with prizes given for over 4,000 photos showing families and people gathered to many different aspects of their their love for their companion celebrate the dogs and cats we work as therapy dogs. These animals — and the photos came share our lives with. lovely Dr Dogs could not have in from all around China.

Irene made WAD Ambassador

Animals Asia’s China Cat and Irene, pictured here with her best Dog Welfare Manager, Irene friend Mao Mao, is based in the Feng, was appointed 2010 World southern city of Guangzhou, Animal Day Ambassador for the known as China’s cat and whole of China. dog eating capital. She works extensively with the authorities This year, among other WAD and animal-welfare groups (both activities held by Animals Asia, locally and throughout China) to Irene organised our China-wide bring about long-term change. Online Photo Contest and Irene and her team are also co-ordinated events organised spreading our messages far by animal-welfare organisations and wide to millions of Chinese around the country. bloggers and chatroom users.

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 15 Cat and Dog Welfare

Animals Asia supports Beijing stray-cat project

communities that could not afford to pay for local cats to be desexed by themselves, and has seen the desexing of 111 out of 156 cats identified in seven residential communities of Beijing.

The desexed cats were vaccinated and given ear marks. Community education initiatives have been carried out in conjunction with the TNR programme to generate support for the scheme among residents and to educate them Lucky Cats in Beijing is making programmes in Beijing residential on the benefits of de-sexing the life sweeter for street cats, and communities. cats. Lucky Cats will continue to Animals Asia is proud to be Lucky Cats is an established liaise with residents in Beijing to supporting the group’s work. welfare organisation that has been monitor the effectiveness of the In 2010, we provided financial working with local communities programme and to identify new support to Lucky Cat to help to desex the cats living on their cats arriving in the residential to promote responsible cat streets since 2004. areas. These too will be trapped, ownership and fund ongoing neutered, then released. trap, neuter, release (TNR) The funding helped to finance

Hong Kong’s Walk for Harmony Dr Scooby comforts More than 100 people and cancer patients their dogs walked proudly together through the streets Dr Scooby, a three-legged of Hong Kong on our annual Dalmatian, was one of 70 dogs Walk for Harmony this honoured at Animals Asia’s Dog February. We also took the Devotion Awards in Hong Kong opportunity to distribute in December 2010. A few years some of our new anti-fur ago, Dr Scooby lost a leg to bone cards to walkers, who offered cancer. Now he is administering to pass them on to people love and care to people in need, who may not be aware they and bringing special comfort to are wearing fur. cancer patients.

Dr Scooby, pictured here with his “mum” Joey and Animals Asia “Cancer patients tell me that they Honorary Director Gigi Fu, was are inspired by Scooby’s courage awarded the Dr Ocha Memorial to continue living a ‘normal’ life Award for therapy dogs who have with three legs. They always look overcome their disabilities and forward to visits by Scooby.” shown outstanding devotion to helping people in need. — Scooby’s guardian, Joey Wan

16 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org Securing better care for animals great and small

Animal Welfare Action Asiatic black bears (or moon bears) are the most popular In 2010, our team stepped up performance animal, present investigations into cruelty in zoos at 90 per cent of parks visited. and safari parks in China, securing Our investigators saw bears a number of wins for captive being punched in the abdomen animals, including a nationwide and kicked, tigers with their ban on circus-style performances teeth ripped out to make them in zoos. Our subsequent advice defenceless, and lions beaten and support to zoos on improving with sticks until they performed. the welfare of their captive We saw animals with injuries, animals also played a crucial part Our zoo investigations tumours and severe malnutrition. in our success in 2010. Our investigations of state-run zoos and private safari parks Children are allowed to sit The team also provided highlighted the appalling on tigers’ backs to pose for support and advice to regional conditions in which thousands of photographs, the animals chained governments on the management animals are kept. and intimidated into submission of dog and cat populations and by staff wielding sticks. Tigers shelters, including advice on Animals Asia staff, led by our have attacked and killed children basic care for shelter dogs and founder, Jill, and Animals Asia in these situations. cats to ensure their welfare needs Welfare Director David Neale, are met, the development of witnessed animals forced Unnatural and degrading veterinary protocols, and training (through fear, intimidation and, in performances, abusive training for shelter veterinary staff. some cases, physical abuse) to methods and inadequate housing perform unnatural tricks in circus- conditions are causing severe Please join our online “Animal style performances. Between suffering for many thousands of Welfare Action Team” and speak performances, animals are animals in captivity across China. out for animals in need. Visit housed alone with no stimulation “Action against Cruelty” on our or enrichment. At Tianjin Zoo, we saw a blind website for more details. tiger (see next page) and a tiger

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 17 Action against Cruelty

dragging his body through his own excrement due to a paralysis of the hind legs. These majestic animals were held in 8ft sq cells.

In many cases, social species are also housed alone in tiny cages, unable to express normal, natural behaviours. This chimpanzee (right) has resorted to plucking out his own hair due to boredom license internationally recognised and frustration. Government liaison veterinary drugs for the humane In 2010, our animal-welfare team treatment of animals in China. We Animal-protection laws made a number of presentations also recommended that zoos be at Chinese zoo symposiums and Our animal-welfare team banned from using wild animals met with the China Association continues to liaise with the for entertainment and in souvenir of Zoological Gardens (CAZG) Chinese Academy of Social photography sessions with to encourage the development Sciences on the development members of the public. of nationwide animal-protection of management protocols to legislation. We are providing improve the welfare of animals in advice and recommendations captivity throughout China. for inclusion in the law to ensure Also in 2010, Dr Heather as many animals receive as Bacon, who was Animals Asia’s much protection from abuse and Veterinary Director at the time, neglect as possible. gave a presentation to Beijing At a March 2010 multi-party zoo directors about the veterinary workshop to discuss the draft management of captive animals. law, we argued for the inclusion Our Senior Veterinary Surgeon, of internationally recognised Monica Bando spoke at the CAZG health and welfare standards for annual workshop in Shijiazhuang, individuals and organisations Hebei province on the topic of that raise, handle, transport improving the welfare of captive and slaughter animals. We also animals. In both cases, it was the called for codes of practice for audience that was “captive”. the welfare of dogs and cats, plus codes of practice for pet shops Our Animal Welfare Director, David and dog and cat breeders. Neale, is lobbying members of the CAZG about a number of welfare We suggested a licensing system improvements for the country’s for all captive-animal facilities, and captive animals. raised the need for the Veterinary Administration Department to

18 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org Action against Cruelty

What we do

In China, our animal-welfare team is campaigning for national animal-protection laws, humane dog and cat population-management programmes, an end to live-animal feeding and cruel circus-style performances in zoos and safari parks, plus improved conditions for all captive animals. We are offering help and guidance to many of these zoos and safari parks to improve the general conditions for the animals they house.

Our “Animal Welfare Action Team” raises awareness of the plight of animals globally and, with your support, is lobbying organisations and governments to improve the lives of animals.

Lobbying for change

In 2010, our team successfully lobbied the Chinese government to prevent the development of bullfighting in Beijing.

We also provided support to Chinese welfare organisations who are calling for action to be taken against individuals carrying out acts of animal cruelty for the production of “crush videos” in which animals are killed for human gratification.

In Busan City, South Korea, we lobbied the government to prevent the development of a “companion-animal breeding centre”, and provided our support for a phase-out of bear farming countrywide.

Our team supported the Philippine Cruel catch: Animals Asia is lobbying for an end to live-animal Animal Welfare Society’s feeding in China’s zoos and wildlife parks. Our investigators regularly campaign to end the use of visit zoos and safari parks across China to document gather evidence exhaust-fume gassing of dogs, of the shocking cruelty of this practice. and opposed the development of Cows are dumped into tiger enclosures, live goats thrown into a pit full captive marine mammal facilities of hungry lions and slowly ripped apart — all for the “entertainment” in India. of the crowds, which include small children. Worse, children are We also raised awareness of the encouraged to take part in the brutality by dangling terrified live plight of billions of animals farmed chickens on “fishing lines” above the lions. in intensive production systems It’s tragic that directors of parks still allow such horrific acts of cruelty globally. and disrespect for the wild and domestic species in their care.

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 19 Action against Cruelty

Sharing our knowledge of bear-care Our vet responds to Serbian sanctuary’s SOS on dancing bears

Animals Asia’s Veterinary Director Unfortunately X-rays and biopsies right. One poor bear’s top lip Dr Heather Bacon travelled to a confirmed a large tumour inside was so badly shredded that she bear sanctuary in Serbia in March Micko’s nasal cavities. Sadly found it difficult to eat. Kasandra, 2010 to try to save the life of a because of his advanced illness, with her right eye clubbed into rescued dancing bear. he was gently euthanised, with blindness, and her teeth smashed his “mama”, Branka, close by. out, suffered for years as a Heather was answering an appeal dancing bear. Her previous chains from the Worldwide Veterinary The veterinary team then turned had repeatedly ripped through Service (WVS) to help provide to the other bears — bears like her upper lip, dividing it into five urgent veterinary services to Bozana (top left) and Marija (top useless flaps. these sick and abused bears at a sanctuary run by Pavel and Branka Pasko.

Heather, along with Emily Gorman, a vet nurse with Paignton Zoo in London (and formerly a vet nurse with Animals Asia), spent four days working around the clock on hard concrete floors health- checking and treating the six bears at the ARKA bear sanctuary near Belgrade.

Pavel and his wife, Branka, had rescued Micko from a factory 11 Our Chengdu team was sad to say goodbye to Heather in late years previously. He had recently 2010 when she made the difficult decision to leave Animals Asia become ill, was unable to eat and and return to the UK after four years of devoted service at our had a bloody discharge from his sanctuaries. Heather who spent most of her time at our Chengdu nose. He had also started “fitting” rescue centre, will be working with us on an exciting research and Pavel and Branka were project starting in the coming months. More about that next year. desperate to alleviate his distress.

20 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org Action against Cruelty

China orders zoos to stop abuse

Ban follows Animals Asia’s report and film on circus-style shows Two months after Animals Asia the appalling conditions for animals, better, safer housing released a damning report performing animals. Narrated by conditions, provision of the on the cruelty of wild-animal former hostage, Terry Waite CBE, animals’ behavioural needs, and performances in Chinese zoos with music by Moby, this veterinary hospitals in zoos. and safari parks, the Chinese film documents government’s Ministry of Housing the humiliation and Urban-Rural Development of the tricks, the ordered zoos to end the use of cruel treatment of animals in these performances. the animals, and The October directive also the terrible living calls on zoos to improve the conditions they living conditions of their captive endure. animals. The directive The publication of our ongoing also forbids investigations into the cruelty and zoos from neglect suffered by thousands of selling performing animals aided in the endangered- development of the government species directive and we now hope products to see these abusive animal and wildlife performances become a thing of meat at zoo the past in China. restaurants. It Also in 2010, we partnered with calls for the UK independent production provision of company, Environment Films, good quality, to produce “The Performance”, sufficient a powerful and moving film and suitable capturing the reality behind food to all Zoo bears benefit from workshop

In May 2010, we held a two-day hammocks. The visiting zoo workshop for bear-care staff staff helped Animals Asia’s bear at Chengdu Zoo to share our workers place enrichment items experience and knowledge of inside our own bear enclosures enrichment for captive bears. then watched as the bears were released. The workshop was led by Animals Asia’s bear team managers and Subsequently, Chengdu zoo has supervisors. been inspired to make significant improvements for the bears in Participants made their own captivity there, including the enrichment items, such as log provision of wooden platforms, and bamboo treats, enrichment soft substrate and novel ways to structures and recycled fire-hose dispense food.

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 21 Support /New Zealand

China’s most beautiful scenery, Animals Asia on air and also visited the Moon Bear Our Australian Moon Bear Am- Rescue Centre in Chengdu where bassador, celebrity vet Dr Katrina 2010 Roadshow they were given a back-of-house Warren, was seen on networks tour by none other than Jill herself. our best to date across Australia in 2010 in a We look forward to launching Thanks to some very generous new animated Community our May 2012 China trek soon. sponsors and a handful of Service Announcement. The clip Special thanks to Kristie Poole, committed volunteers in each combines real footage of Katrina whose Trivia Night in Wollongong city, our 2010 Roadshow was the with animation of the bears, raised over A$35,000. best yet. Jill’s July visit involved including a cartoon version of addressing 1,200 people at eight Honey money from our own Franzi who died in 2009. events in 10 days, numerous mini bear biscuits (See below.) media interviews, and raising almost A$300,000 for the bears! One of the sweetest ways to help Special thanks to Joanna Politis- the bears in 2010 was to buy a Collins and Richard Collins from box of our delicious mini moon Adelaide (pictured below with Jill) bear biscuits made just for us in who hosted their third major event Tasmania. These delicious treats for us. This one attracted 320 are also a popular option for guests and raised a whopping Honey Money Days fundraising. Thank you Simon A$125,000. Our Australian Am- In 2011, look out for our first bassadors, Simon Bryant and “Friends or Food” ad featuring Dr Katrina Warren, were there celebrity chef Simon Bryant and Simon prepared vegetarian talking about the millions of canapés like no one else can! dogs and cats brutally killed in Special mention to the ACME China each year for human Foundation for sponsoring our consumption. 2010 Roadshow. Jill will be back Both these commercials were 2012 — date to be confirmed. Running for the bears produced at a fraction of their Congratulations to all of our normal cost thanks to the supporters who took part in the passionate people involved. Sydney and Perth City to Surf Thank you to Halo Pictures for events in 2010. Each of the teams their work on the Franzi ad and raised thousands of dollars, to Ghastly Fun Films, Swarm helped spread awareness about Imagery and Cutting Edge for Animals Asia and achieved some their work on Simon’s clip. And to very impressive personal goals! Vida Marketing and Audioloc for Well done. Our amazing Perth their help with both. team is pictured below. Rising to the challenge Seventeen supporters raised a total of A$80,000 for the chance to take part in the trip of a lifetime as well as help the bears. These hardy adventurers did some serious trekking through some of

22 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org Support China

Earth Day they would never use bear bile, or drew pictures of moon bears. Alibaba ban helps Our China Education Team bears, cats, dogs celebrated Earth Day 2010 with a roadshow for students and Our grateful thanks to Alibaba. the public at a popular mall in com, the world’s biggest e-trade Chengdu. site, for putting principle before profit in 2010. After being Education Officer Jacky and approached by Animals Asia, team set up the day-long event, Chinese-owned Alibaba.com, recreating our Education Room and its Chinese-language sister at the rescue centre. The display site, Taobao, agreed to ban the included a gallery of children’s BMW China tees off sale of bear bile, as well as cat and drawings showing the grim reality for the moon bears dog meat and fur. of bile farming. BMW held a charity golf The ban applies to users of Night out in Beijing tournament in September 2010 Alibaba.com (which has an in- to raise funds for our rescued The China Millennium Monument ternational site in English and moon bears in Chengdu. More Venue in Beijing was the scene a Chinese site in Putonghua) than 100 contestants attended, of our first Beijing Animal Charity and Taobao.com (a consumer and BMW donated all the entry Night in May 2010. A number e-commerce site that operates fees to the rescue. almost exclusively within China). of Chinese celebrities helped us spread the word about our Our moon bear mascot, We’re thrilled with their decision, Moon Bear Rescue, and our own Moonie, was invited to open but the battle isn’t entirely won, “Moonie” almost stole the show, the tournament. At a dinner that as traders are now selling “fake” singing along with local children evening, a spokesman from dog and cat fur on the sites. We the touching song “Little Bear”. BMW handed over a cheque suspect that in many cases, the for a total of RMB23,400 to our fur is real because real fur is often Senior Bear Manager Nic. This cheaper to “produce” than fake was an excellent opportunity to fur. It costs nothing to round up spread the message of ending stray cats and dogs on the streets bear farming to some powerful and very little to breed them. and influential people. Alibaba is working with us to solve the problem — and to thank the team, we have named one of our beautiful rescued bears “Alibaba” School support (below) in their honour. Our China education team, and eight kind supporters, attended the Shanghai German and French International School welcome- back party in September 2010.

The team used the time to promote awareness of our campaign to end bear bile farming. Many students signed a big banner promising

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 23 Support Germany

Magister Stefan Moser from President of Animal Trust, in “Arche Noah” (below left), who beautiful Zurich. On the road again! arranged our visit, and President Mrs Hortense Anda-Buehrle Jill had last visited Luxembourg, Oster, head of the local animal invited us for lunch at her home Germany and Austria on her 2007 shelter (middle). Roadshow, so unsurprisingly our where we met Dr Thomas As well as giving us a warm supporters in these countries Wagner, President of the Swiss- welcome, they provided us with where looking forward to seeing Chinese Society and former some great animal therapy — time her again in October 2010. mayor of Zurich as well as Mr with their lovely cats and dogs. Liang Jianquan, Generalkonsul Luxembourg of the People’s Republic of China in Zurich; Professor Felix First stop was Luxembourg where Althaus, Dekan of the Vetsuisse- we met with generous people Fakultaet and Professor Hans like Mrs Mentgen-Wirtz (below, Lutz, Prodekan of the Vetsuisse- middle), who have supported us Fakultät, who showed huge for 10 years now and who funded interest in our work and in animal an entire bear house. A heartfelt welfare in China. “thank you” to you all. Austrian TV’s “tierzuliebe” and Maggie Entenfellner, our longtime supporter and friend, interviewed Jill, and later we met Christa Blümel from “Kronen Zeitung” — another “old friend”.

More than 100 people came to

hear Jill’s presentation, after From left: Hortense Anda-Bührle of which Team Tierherz, an animal- Beirat Animal Trust, Margot Bodmer of There was a birthday cake to welfare group founded by five Mitglied Animal Trust Zurich and Maria celebrate Animals Asia’s 10th Reinshagen (former Head of Christie’s girls, presented Jill with a 600 anniversary and a wonderful € Zurich). donation and a wonderful picture birthday song from Andreas and of a bear! Over 200 people heard Jill’s Jutta Goldknecht from Saar- presentation at Restaurant bruecken. Our grateful thanks Metropol. Katharina organised also to Rita Zuccha, who handed the glamorous event, which Jill a cheque for € 2,000! And of started with a video message course a very warm “thank you” from pianist Hélène Grimaud! to Denise Kirchen and all those who helped her organise such Mrs Doris Fiala, Nationalraetin in a wonderful opening night for the Swiss Bundesversammlung, our roadshow and gave us such then Swiss TV’s Monika Fass- a warm welcome. We raised an nacht also spoke. amazing € 10,000 on that first From left: Christa Filipowicz, Barbara Sixteen people very generously evening — a lot of honey money! Blauensteiner, Jill and Maggie Entenfellner. offered to “Name a Bear”, raising € 150,000 for our bears. This is Graz Zurich the highest sum Animals Asia has In Graz, a beautiful city in The next day we met our longtime raised with one event! Steiermark, Austria, we met with Swiss friend, Katharina Buettiker,

24 Animals Asia Review 2010 | animalsasia.org Support Hong Kong

Busking for the bears • Husband and wife team, Ali Bullock and Caroline Sprod. Over 100 supporters enjoyed a Green Dragon gives Ali has generously given of his great night out with Hong Kong home to Vietnam bears time and talent to be our “official musicians donating their time and photographer” on a number of Our grateful thanks to Hong talent to help the moon bears. Kong-based Green Dragon Fund, bear rescues and provided the 12 run by Environmental Investment Local musician, John Prymmer, beautiful images of our rescued Services Asia Limited (EISAL) and acoustic duo “Papancha” and bears for our 2011 calendar. managed by Jeremy Higgs, for singer Jeremy Nunns, busked Caroline has helped us out on a donating US$235,000 towards for the bears at our special pre- number of occasions, including the construction cost of a new Christmas fundraiser. Fantastic arranging the British Consulate bear house and enclosures at our Italian restaurant and bar La Baita as the venue for one of our major Vietnam rescue centre. The bear kindly provided the venue and fundraising events. house contains 24 dens and can sponsored the event. house up to 38 bears at a time. The highlight of the night was the The Green Dragon Fund, launched arrival of Virginia McKenna OBE, in October 2006, is one of the first who inspired Jill’s passion for regional hedge funds to focus on animals and who is now our UK environmental needs in Asia. patron. Jill and Virginia had just returned from Vietnam, where The Fund’s donation could not they spent time investigating have been more timely. With our illegal bear farms and the illegal bear numbers steadily increasing sale of bear bile. in Vietnam, we were in urgent • Financial services provider need of more space to house our Many thanks to the musicians and Standard Life, which launched new arrivals. supporters, who came along and a campaign entitled “It’s my made this event such a success. life” to create brand awareness The semi-natural enclosures are in Hong Kong. The campaign specially designed to stimulate Our thanks also to: featured a number of people who and encourage the bears’ natural had achieved their goals in life, behaviour in the wild. • Hong Kong supporters, Henry including our founder, Jill. The Wong and daughter Kitty Wong, campaign ran in print, online, who so generously funded the mobile and outdoor, and Jill’s entire production cost of our new image and message appeared short film, “Moon Bear Rescue: A on huge panels at Hong Kong decade on”. airport and on the city’s buses.

• Long-time supporter Jonathan (Joe) Hancock, who has agreed to join our board in Hong Kong.

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 25 Support Italy

Repubblica” and “L’Espresso”, pictures from his latest Chengdu and popular newspapers, such shooting session, and completed Support grows as “Il Corriere della Sera”, its cycle at the feet of the god of ever stronger “La Stampa”, “Il Secolo XIX”, the sea in Neptune’s Square in “Il Tempo”, “Libero” and “Il Bologna. Up next for 2011 are Two years since opening, our Manifesto”. Our rescue of 10 Florence, where our bears will Italian office continues to grow bears in Shandong in April saw stand proudly in Santa Maria from strength to strength, taking blanket coverage on the main Novella Square from 22 April until inspiration from scruffy “Italia”, national TV networks. 8 May, then Riccione and Milan. The display is sponsored by the Bears on tour Italian Institute of Bioethics. conquer the country Bear bile industry The photo exhibition, “Save Me from Sickening Medicine”, exposed in fiction which denounces the vicious Inspired by writer and director bile business, continues its Sandrone Dazieri’s novel of the journey across Italy, stopping same name, “Beasts” was one in the most beautiful squares of the six episodes of the TV a gorgeous female moon bear across the country. Created by series “Crimes”, which aired rescued in Vietnam in January the studio, La Sterpaia, founded on Rai Due Channel last spring. 2010 and now a symbol of hope by photographer Oliviero Toscani Co-produced by Rai Fiction and and freedom. Among the many and now directed by his children, Rodeo Drive, the episode takes passionate voices speaking out Lola and Rocco, the exhibition place in the tranquility of a Bed against cruelty, are celebrities and features 60 stunning 2 x 3 metre & Breakfast in the countryside leading figures from the academic blow-ups and several bear-cage near the city of Matera, where a community — from actor Luca installations, all combined together young ecologist, always on the Zingaretti to renowned scientist in a claustrophobic maze of horror, frontline against animal abuse, is Umberto Veronesi, from novelist anguish, freedom and hope. found dead after uncovering an Barbara Alberti to actresses illegal bear bile trafficking ring. Giulietta Revel, Piera Degli In the leading role is actor Pietro Esposti and Veronica Pivetti. Taricone, who tragically died during a sky dive just months We are extremely grateful also after the episode was aired. to our long-standing supporters, philosopher Tom Regan, come- dian and blogger Beppe Grillo, celebrated photographer Oliviero Toscani and members of iconic rock band Premiata Forneria After its successful debut in Marconi who are spreading Genoa and a first transfer to the Animals Asia’s message across Modern Art Gallery in Palermo in the country on their latest musical 2010, “Save Me from Sickening tour “La buona novella”. Medicine” stopped off in the Our Moon Bear Rescue campaign beautiful town of Alassio, moved was in the media spotlight in on to breathtaking Plebiscito 2010, with some great exposure Square in Naples, where it was in magazines “Il Venerdì di enriched by Rocco Toscani’s

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tirelessly just about every weekend, Viv epitomises what Elephant art wins makes our supporters so special. funds for freedom Most Innovative Fundraising After attracting much attention Idea: Sue Prince’s underwater during his stay in Green Park with chess match! Generous Sue the other 19 charity elephants proves that we are only limited by taking part in London’s 250- our own imagination! strong Elephant Parade, Animals Asia’s elephant was auctioned off Around Britain on 3 July. Hope of Freedom raised Virginia McKenna visits £20,000, with 70 per cent of the our Vietnam bears Vet nurses’ choice: In 2010, Animals Asia was proud to proceeds coming to Animals At the beginning of November become the British Veterinary Asia. Sponsored by Direct 2010, our fabulous patron, Virginia Nursing Association Charity Hygiene, our elephant, “Hope of McKenna OBE, visited Vietnam of the Year, from which we Freedom”, featured a stunning en route to Australia. Virginia, who benefited in increased publicity sculpture of a moon bear on his founded Born Free, accompanied and funding, with veterinary back. Internationally renowned Jill and our Vietnam Director, Tuan practices around the UK holding sculptor Suzie Marsh sculpted the Bendixsen, to traditional medicine events and collections for us. bear and pupils from Hall Grove shops in Hanoi and several bear School in Berkshire designed the farms in Ha Tay area. She also Roadshow success: In October, elephant blanket. visited our Tam Dao sanctuary, Animals Asia UK held our annual where she assisted in the health- roadshow with Jill Robinson. check of Ha Long bear and met In just one week, with the help Born Free’s very own bear, Grace. of our supporters, we raised in excess of £57,000. Our unsung heroes Special thanks to the Duchess of Animals Asia’s UK Supporter Richmond for very kindly hosting Awards for 2010 went to the our final event of the week at following generous individuals Goodwood House. and organisations: Just marvellous: Thanks to the Best Corporate Supporter: Birmingham Stage Company for Animal Friends Insurance. Animal kindly donating a Christmas UK ophthalmologists Friends Insurance has long taken performance of “George’s Mar- the lead in practical help and operate on bears vellous Medicine” raising £3,500. compassion for charities such as In September 2010, ophthalmolo- Animals Asia. gists from the Animal Health Thanks also to: Trust, Newmarket, visited our Best Support Group: The Born Free Foundation, sanctuaries in China and Vietnam Southampton support group. the David Shepherd Wildlife where they carried out sight- Whether trekking in the sweltering Foundation, Loke Wan Tho, saving surgery on some of the hills of Vietnam or freezing outside Persula Foundation, Muriel moon bears, including Billabong, the local supermarket, cash tin in Jones Foundation, Lancashire Grace and Sassy (see story page hand, this group is always raising Foundation, as well as celebrity 9). Wild Productions filmed the awareness and fundraising. supporters Paul Martin, Martin Vietnam surgical procedures Roberts, Ricky Gervais, Joanna Best Individual Fundraiser: including Grace’s eye surgery and Lumley and Terry Waite CBE. Ha Long’s health-check. Vivienne Simms, for working

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 27 Support United States

spectacular ears. That moment seems to have made a lasting impression on Kathy just as her Schillers auction off and Larry’s generosity has made art for the bears a truly lasting impression on us. Longtime supporters Kathy and Larry Schiller of Los Angeles have been superbly generous to the bears over the years, but in 2010 they surpassed themselves with their latest philanthropic gesture — selling one of their finest pieces of Chinese art to benefit our work.

Kathy heard about the plight of the bears several years ago Rave reviews for from countless literary journals during a trip to China and made and blogs. contact asking how she and her ‘Moon Bear’ book husband Larry could help. One Animals Asia was thrilled when Staff at Macmillan also launched thing led to another and, before Laura Godwin, editor at Henry a unique fundraising scheme long, the Schillers were hosting Holt Young Readers/Macmillan called “Moon Bear Bucks”, which a fundraising dinner party at Children’s Publishing Group, has already raised US$10,000 their beautiful home towards the approached us with a plan with many of the donations end of last year. Soon after, they to create a children’s book coming in from teachers and generously offered to sell some of highlighting the plight of the moon students throughout the US. their art to benefit the bears. bears.

The highlight of their collection The result is a beautiful book was Zeng Fanzhi’s “Mask” written by celebrated children’s painted in 2000. An auction author Brenda Z Guiberson and at Christies in Hong Kong in illustrated by Caldecott award- May saw the “Mask” going for winner Ed Young. A year in the life a princely sum, and Animals of a bear, “Moon Bear” ends with Asia receiving a phenomenal a discussion of Animals Asia’s US$100,000 donation from the bear rescue project. Since its proceeds. release in the spring of 2010, the book has garnered rave reviews Following the auction, Kathy visited the bears in Chengdu Meet Morgan and was able to see for herself We are thrilled to introduce the lifesaving work her donation Animals Asia’s new US was making possible. While Director, Morgan Lance. watching a surgery to remove the Morgan, pictured here with gall bladder from newly rescued 14-year-old Tikka, has bear, “Monkey”, Kathy’s face was been with our US office in a picture of joy and awe as she San Francisco as PR and gently stroked sleeping Monkey’s Communications Manager paws and admired her truly since June 2007.

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How you can help

Befriend a Bear community-based projects in each month, you can support mainland China. one of our special-care bears. Please consider befriending one of our six ambassador bears. For As a Champion for Change, you Sponsors receive a certificate, 1just US$80, you can befriend one will receive a certificate and an a photo of your bear in a printed of our six “ambassador” bears adorable photo of Dr Eddie who frame, and information about (Freedom, Banjo, Irwin Junior, was rescued from a market in your bear. (See pages 30-31 for Mausi, Bodo or Emma) for a year. China just hours before he was full details.) due to be slaughtered. Eddie is Your gift will provide the bears now one of our star Dr Dogs. Donate monthly with special treats to keep them Please consider giving on a happy and occupied — fruit ice Spread the word blocks, rubber kongs, honey, monthly basis to help us prepare raisins and tofu-filled bamboo — Tell your family, friends and6 for unforeseen emergencies and play equipment like swings colleagues about our work. Many and to maintain our long-term and climbing frames, which are4 people are still unaware that projects. Even small monthly essential for their rehabilitation. bears are suffering for years on donations add up and allow you bile farms and that companion to play a vital role in our progress. When you befriend a bear you will animals are treated as mere It’s simple, safe and convenient. receive a photo of your bear in a commodities to be used for meat We will automatically and “Befriend a Bear” display frame, and fur. a certificate and information on securely transfer your donation your bear. Please follow us on Facebook to your credit card each month. (facebook.com/AnimalsAsia) and At the end of the financial year, Buy gifts online Twitter (twitter.com/animalsasia) you will receive a single receipt and spread the word by sharing for all your monthly donations. Next time you’re looking for our updates with your friends. birthday gifts, please go to our As a new monthly donor, you’ll 2online Gift Shop for a range receive a Welcome Pack with Sponsor a Bear of great gift ideas. T-shirts, information on our various stationery, plush moon bears, For a small monthly donation projects and we will continue to scarves, key chains, calendars, you can sponsor one of our send you regular updates. mobile phone accessories, caps 5rescued bears and provide these intelligent, forgiving animals with and bags are among the great Leave a bequest items available. all the basic care they need to recover and lead healthy and Please put us in your will Become one of our happy lives. For and help abused animals far a little extra into the future. Contact your Champions for Change nearest Animals Asia office 3For a small amount each month, to talk with staff. you can become a “Champion for Change” and help abused dogs and cats through our

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 29 Support

Sponsor a bear ….. and save a life

Help a bear How we spend Our small, but extremely every month your donations dedicated and professional, veterinary team ensures the For just a small monthly donation, Your sponsorship will provide bears’ get the best possible you can sponsor one of our bears with all their basic care — medical attention. rescued bears and provide these nutritious food and clean water, intelligent, forgiving animals with veterinary care and accom- Rehabilitation all the basic care they need to modation at the sanctuary — so recover and lead healthy and they can put their horrible pasts happy lives. behind them and enjoy life as the beautiful moon bears they were Our special-care bears, with born to be. long-term physical or mental damage are a little more costly to As a special-care bear sponsor, care for, but you can also help to you will be able to help gentle support them, for just a little extra souls like our brain-damaged each month. Rupert lead a life free from pain Once they get the all-clear from and fear. These bears need a their initial surgery and follow-up Caring for these bears for life secure enclosure where they will health-checks, the bears are is a huge commitment. At our feel comfortable and safe with moved into roomy recovery cages sanctuary, they live in semi- other disabled bears and where where they gradually become natural enclosures, with access they will get the close monitoring accustomed to more space. to dens for shelter and rock pools and special diets they need. Depending on their progress, to cool off in. They sleep in sturdy they spend around four months hanging-basket beds and eat a Vet care here before moving to dens and specially formulated bear diet, starting the gradual process of rich in protein and vitamins, and integration with the other bears. have round-the-clock specialist In the recovery cages and the veterinary care. dens, the bears are given browse Their rough and tumble play (fresh greenery) to make nests necessitates that their dens and to chew. They also get toys and enclosures are especially to play with, hose showers from strong and “bear-proof”. Your their carers and special treats sponsorship will allow us to to keep them occupied. The The rescued bears leave the continue to provide these bears next step is the most exciting — farms in an appalling state, many with the best of care and allow release into a rehabilitation area, suffering from crippling ailments, them to live the lives they have where they can learn to swim, such as arthritis, peritonitis, always so much deserve. climb and simply be bears. weeping ulcers, ingrown claws In return for your support, you will and chronically infected eyes receive a sponsorship certificate, and gums. Increasingly, they are a photo of your bear in a specially developing terminal liver cancers. printed frame, information about They all need surgery to remove your bear and his/her character, their damaged gall bladders, and each year we will send you many have broken teeth from an updated photo so you can years of biting the bars of their see for yourself how your bear cages, a third are missing limbs is progressing, thanks to your and all are in a state of severe generous support. psychological trauma.

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months grow colder, the bears eat much more food than in mid- summer.

On average, in winter, each bear receives two meals per day of the following:

• 1.4 kg Mazuri pellets/dog food mix

• 2.4 kg vegetables: carrots, cabbage and sweet potato

• 1.1 kg salad mix: cabbages, cucumbers, tomato and apple

In summer, their meals are much smaller:

Sanctuary Nutritious diet • 0.6 kg Mazuri pellets/dog food mix Caring for our bears for life is a huge commitment. Once rehabili- • 1.8 kg vegetables tated, they live in semi-natural enclosures, with access to dens • 1.1 kg salad mix for shelter, rock pools to cool off in and trees and wooden frames What you get to climb. as a sponsor They sleep in sturdy hanging- As a sponsor, you will be able to basket beds and eat a specially The bears eat a special diet share in the joy seeing your bear formulated bear diet, rich in created by an experienced animal progress over time. protein and vitamins, and have behaviourist. They have plenty of Initially, we will send you a folder round-the-clock specialist veteri- fresh fruit and vegetables, grains with a sponsorship certificate, a nary care. and Mazuri pellets that have been specially formulated for bears that photo of your bear in a printed We have made a firm commitment have been farmed for their bile. frame and information about your to look after each of our rescued bear and his/her character. bears for the duration of his or her To keep their minds and bodies Each year, we will send you an life — this could be for 30 years. occupied, they must forage for their food. For instance, “stinky update and a new photo so you tofu” is stuffed into bamboo can see for yourself how your tubes and fresh fruit is suspended bear is progressing. in large ice blocks high up on You will also receive regular climbing frames. updates on the Moon Bear Variety is also a joy for these bears, Rescue and the progress we’re who spent years in constant making in ending bear farming. hunger, being fed a tasteless gruel But best of all, you will be able — and barely enough to keep to go to sleep at night knowing them alive. So taste sensations that because you cared enough vary from miso paste and sesame to act, a majestic, endangered oil to peanut butter! animal will have the life he or she What they eat depends on the so desperately needs. season, for instance as the

animalsasia.org | Animals Asia Review 2010 31 Hong Kong Head Office 10/F, Kai Tak Commercial Building 317-319 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2791 2225 Fax: +852 2791 2320 Australia Office PO Box 275, Blackwood SA 5051, Australia Toll-free: 1800 666 004 Tel: 08 8270 1955 Fax: 08 8270 5176 China Office Longqiao, Xindu District, Chengdu, Sichuan PRC 610505 Tel: 86 28 8307 8033 Fax: 86 28 8307 8033 Germany Office Herzogstr. 9, 80803 Munchen, Germany Tel: +49(0)89 383 77 130 Fax: +49(0)89 383 77 13 20 Italy Office P.zza San Marcellino, 6/5 A,16124 Genova (GE), Italy Tel: +39 010 2541998, +39 010 8680709 Fax: +39 010 2545137 UK Office 3 Ashleigh Meadow, Tregondale Farm, Menheniot, Cornwall PL14 3RG, UK Tel: 01579 347148 Fax: 01579 347343 US Office 300 Broadway, Suite 32, San Francisco, CA 94133-4587, USA Tel: (415) 677 9601 Fax: (415) 677 9603 New Zealand Post Box PO Box 6679, Auckland, New Zealand Toll-free: 0800 728 323 Vietnam Office Unit 301, 12 Trang Thi street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: 84 4 39289264 Fax: 84 4 39289265

Hong Kong-headquartered Animals Asia Foundation is a government-registered charity in Hong Kong, the UK, the US, Australia, Germany and Italy, with tax-deductible status in these countries. We also have offices and Moon Bear Rescue Centres in Mainland China and Vietnam.

Email: [email protected] www.animalsasia.org

Cover boy: “Blue” by Rocco Toscani Grateful thanks also to ARKA, and photographers Ali Bullock, Simon Perry/Red Door News