Some people will always believe in the mystical powers of products of certain parts of certain animals, most notably from rare and endangered creatures. Regardless of the validity of the claims, some of these “enhanced foods” cause significant harm to the animals and the environment. Well known examples are elephant and rhino horn, pangolin scale and just about any part of a tiger. Though considered “mystical medicines”, such remedies are often not unique any more – for example pangolin armor is sought for its keratin content – now available at any modern pharmacy.

Due to an accelerated economy, expanding trade routes and the difficulty of the terrain, these items are routinely smuggled in and out of Vietnam and other parts of Asia. The results is a cruel death to the donor, a product of dubious worth and a huge decrease in animal numbers of the living. This trade has led some species to the brink of extinction.

One such popular “medicine” well known in Vietnam and north Asia is the bile secretions extracted from living “Moon” bears. These “donor” bears are trapped as pups in the forest then kept in specially designed cages for up to 25 years. Using catheters or permanently open wounds, the “farms” then extract their bile. It is not an exaggeration to say such practices are horrifying in the extreme.

Bear Farming

The trade and farming of bears in Vietnam has been declared illegal and any discovered “cottage” industry or farms are closed down and their operators heavily fined or sent to jail. The found bears are “liberated”, which solves one problem but creates another. Most have of the rescued bears have spent a significant part of their life in cramped cages, many with seeping wounds and almost all with significant digestive problems. It is highly unlikely they can ever again survive in the open forest.

The Four Paws Bear Sanctuary in Nho Quan, just a few kilometers from Cuc Phuong National Park, does tremendous work in caring for these injured animals. The Sanctuary operates as both a haven for distressed animals and assists considerably with the research and knowledge of these increasingly rare large Asian mammals. The Sanctuary is Not For Profit and operates with a skeleton staff, the help of volunteers, donations from visitors and the support of the Four Paws Foundation.

Covid Restrictions

The Sanctuary was closed to the public for a period of time due to COVID-19 restrictions, but it reopened in December 2021 for domestic travelers. During the closure, Four Paws took advantage of the downtime to make substantial upgrades to the Sanctuary’s facilities.

One such improvement is the new “Sky Walk” feature, which provides a safer and more interactive experience for these naturally secretive and elusive animals. Additionally, the Sanctuary boasts a contemporary café area, a small bookstore, and souvenir shop, along with regular tours guided by the handlers and volunteers themselves.

The Four Paws Bear Sanctuary has reopened to international tourism. If you plan travel in the Nho Quan – Cuc Phuong area, make sure to arrange a stop at the Sanctuary while you are in the area as it is a long way from the tourist hubs of Tam Coc and Trang An. Not only is a visit to the Sanctuary fascinating and rewarding, you will be supporting not just the end of a horrific trade but the beginnings of a new life for the survivors.

Travel Tips

The standard guided tour of approximately 45 minutes at the Sanctuary is 150,000 VND per adult and 100,000 VND per child (6-12 years old). In addition, visitors can opt for the skywalk at an additional cost of 50,000 VND per adult and 30,000 VND per child (5-10 years old). The funds raised help support the effort but the entrance to the Sanctuary itself is free.

The Sanctuary is situated on the Cuc Phuong – Bai Dinh road, Ky Phu, Nho Quan, approximately 5-7km away from the Cuc Phuong Entrance Gates. Given the relative isolation of the Sanctuary, which is home to over 40 wild bears, public transport is not yet a viable option. It is best to plan a visit through self-drive or a tour.

Note: Prices are indicative only