Help Stop Bear Trafficking in Cambodia

Last year the Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team (WRRT) rescued eight bears from the illegal wildlife trade. Meet the little sun bear cub that the WRRT rescued in September in a remote location in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. The team received information that traders were trying to sell a cub, so Team Manager Vong, posed as a wildlife buyer, and coaxed a villager into introducing him to the trader. The villager, who was acting as a middleman, became suspicious and attempted to flee. After extensive negotiations, they were finally able to strike a deal that would result in the rescue of the animal but not the capture of the trader. The bear was found in a bucket, in an agreed upon location. In this instance, the WRRT could not catch the trader, but this was necessary in order to save the young bear's life.

The cub was immediately taken to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, where he received expert veterinary care, and is expected to make a full recovery. Thanks to the quick response of the WRRT team, this baby bear was saved from the brutal bear trade. Sun bears are often kept in bear farms where their gall bladder and bile is harvested and sold as traditional medicine. Help the WRRT put an end to bear trafficking by sharing our campaign or making a gift!