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Project update
- February 2006
China Bear
Rescue Update - by Jill Robinson, Founder of the Animals Asia
Foundation
At the end of 2005, Christmas came early
for five more pitiful farmed bears that recently arrived at our
doorstep and it was all we could do not to break down and cry,
as we saw two tiny cubs bawling for their mother, who was calling
for them frantically in return. Torn from their mother at three
months of age, they were caged, terrified and horribly confused.
Everyone on site moved heaven and earth
to create a fast track reunion between this very special family.
Even though Mum still needs major surgery to repair the damage
caused by the horrific "free-drip" method of bile extraction
which she had suffered on the farm, she was well enough for now
to be reunited with her babies - who stretched tiny arms through
the bars of the cage, desperately wanting to feel her soft, warm
body next to theirs.
After one long night where we had separated
them into adjacent dens - just to be sure that Mum would accept
them back - the moment of truth arrived, and the dividing doors
were opened. We needn't have worried..... the moment was beautiful,
as Mum and babies rubbed noses before exploring a world filled
with food and toys they had never experienced before. Gleefully
plunging their tiny bodies into their water bowls, tummies bulging
with fresh fruit and honey, the two cubs seemed intent on putting
their past behind, whilst Mum carefully checked every nook and
cranny of their new home - reassuring herself with cautious "popping"
vocalisations that all was safe and sound. That evening, under
a beautiful full moon, a family previously ripped apart were now
reunited, as Mum lovingly held her two sleeping babies for the
first night of their new life together.
With 198 farmed bears rescued so far and
more tortured victims expected to arrive at our door soon, we
have you to thank for supporting this groundbreaking rescue, transforming
the lives of bears like Quantock, and bringing us ever closer
to our promise of ending this horrific practice once and for all.
The Loss of our Number one Ambassador:
Tragically, February saw our beloved bear Andrew's last Spring.
Taken from us by the ravages of liver cancer - a killer we know
so well and believe is connected with the massive infection originating
on the bear farms. No words can explain our grief, but Andrew's
death has united us all with the determination that he will never
die in vain. Our noble, forgiving, gentle giant who will live
in our hearts forever.
Following a month of eating less and sleeping
more, Andrew had a health check and ultrasound which revealed
that something was horribly wrong. Our Vets, Kati and Phill, began
abdominal surgery and found the most aggressive and ugly cancer
we had ever seen in our lives. The removed tumour, weighing 7.3kgs
surpassed anything we have seen before and, because the liver
was so terribly affected (with approximately 5% of its normal
function remaining), Andrew's blood wasn't able to clot and he
had been slowly bleeding to death.
Just days before his death, he ate more
than he'd eaten the whole week before; those soft gentle lips
pursing for another slice of tomato, a second tub of yogurt and
a blueberry muffin, causing us to wonder for a second whether
we were right to bring his surgery forward. So many variables
are involved - and in the past we have felt surgery essential,
only to find nothing medically wrong as the bears have entered
a "normal" pattern of lethargic, inappetant behaviour
associated with hibernation of the species in the wild.
Yet, it was the killer we know so well...
liver cancer; possibly originating from a tumour factor of aggressive
cells connected with the massive infection from damage caused
on the farms - the demon that lurked silently in Andrew's body,
waiting for the chance to strike.
No words can ever explain the grief everyone
here is feeling - we cremated and buried our mighty Andrew, with
local TV cameras and the San Francisco Chronicle recording another
chapter in bear farming history - an outpouring of anger and sadness
which is difficult to describe even now, but which united everyone
here in the conviction and determination that Andrew will never
die in vain.
I know too that this will be a horribly
sad message for those of you who loved Andrew and enjoyed all
the updates about his life over the past five and a half years.
Andrew was so much more than our ambassador, our friend.... he
was the bear who began it all; our noble, forgiving, gentle giant
who will live in our hearts forever.
Someone has written: "You are not weaker
without Andrew, you are stronger because of him." And we
are.
R.I.P Anderloo, we love you
Every little contribution helps wildlife
and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!
You can also help by becoming a member
of DSWF. Click here for more information
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