KARA activists rescuing ‘Juyoungi’, an Asiatic black bear, from a bear farm in Hwacheon, Gangneung (Image courtesy of KARA)
HWACHEON, Oct. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – An Asiatic black bear, raised for gallbladder extraction, was rescued just before facing slaughter, thanks to the sponsorship of a compassionate citizen, providing the bear with a chance for a new life.
Animal protection organizations Project Moon Bear and Korea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA) jointly announced that they successfully rescued an Asiatic black bear from a bear farm in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon Province, where it was being raised for gallbladder extraction.
This farm stood as the last remaining bear farm in Hwacheon-gun and was permanently closed after the rescue, reducing the national count of bear farms from 19 to 18. The pivotal rescue was made possible through the generous sponsorship of a high school teacher, who donated 50 million won to cover the necessary expenses for the rescue and subsequent care of the bear.
The dedicated high school teacher had been saving money for an extended period to support polar bears. However, upon learning about the harsh reality faced by bears in captivity on these farms, she redirected her contributions to aid them.
An Asiatic black bear, raised for gallbladder extraction, was rescued just before facing slaughter, thanks to the sponsorship of a compassionate citizen, providing the bear with a chance for a new life. (Image courtesy of KARA)
On the preceding Sunday, representatives from the animal protection groups visited the bear farm and relocated the rescued bear to their dedicated sanctuary in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province.
Since 2021, these two animal protection groups have coordinated with bear farms, rescuing a total of 17 bears and providing them protection in their facilities. They transformed the existing farm facilities into sanctuaries to offer a better living environment for the bears.
These rescued bears had endured confinement in small cages for 10 to 20 years, waiting for gallbladder extraction. However, after the rescue, they underwent adaptation training and now revel in strolling through spacious enclosures with soil, rocks, trees, and artificial ponds. They are also engaged in various enrichment activities to reclaim their natural instincts.
The recently rescued female bear, born in 2013, reached the slaughter age this year but was granted a new lease on life just before facing death. Presently, the government permits the slaughter of bears raised on bear farms for gallbladder extraction once they reach the age of 10.
Project sponsor Lee Ju-young (L) and KARA director Choi Tae-gyu (R) (Image courtesy of KARA)
Regarding the newly rescued bear, some individuals expressed interest in purchasing the gallbladder. However, the farm owner opposed the idea of slaughtering the bear, and fortuitously, a sponsor stepped in just in time to support the rescue.
The bear will now live under the new name, ‘Juyoungi,’ named after the sponsor, for the remainder of its life.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
