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Dear Friend,
The is not the message I wanted to write to you today.
But as a valued and trusted friend to Animals Asia, and as someone who like us, believes that every bear is precious, I felt I must share this devastating news with you.
On Tuesday 8th August, the 19th anniversary of Animals Asia, our emergency rescue team arrived to rescue a lonely moon bear who had been kept caged as a ‘pet’ for the past 13 years.
‘What a wonderful day’, we thought, to be rescuing a bear on the anniversary of our charity.
We’d set off the day before, and on the way there, we’d decided to name her Rocky.
But as soon as we saw her, we knew something was very wrong.
Rocky was so weak, she could barely lift her head. At only around 50kgs, Rocky was diminished. A healthy bear weighs up to 120kgs.
She was terrified of us. We can only imagine the kind of cruelty and abuse she’s suffered alone for all those years, to make her so afraid.
We took her out of the cage, her entire world for over a decade, to examine her. Her legs were riddled with arthritis, some could not even be fully extended. But worse still our ultrasound showed a number of tumours in her liver. We feared the worst for this tiny bear.
But we had to try… we’d get her home and examine her properly.
It was a two-day journey back to the sanctuary. And on strong painkillers, Rocky was more comfortable than she’d felt in years. She had banana leaves so she could make a soft nest and was so happy to receive cooling water showers. Yet she refused to eat. Very unusual for a bear who has just been rescued.
Once there, Rocky was taken to the bear hospital to prepare for the extensive veterinary examination.
But devastatingly, our very worst fears were confirmed. We found massive inoperable tumors in her liver.
This is why she wouldn't eat. And this is why she was so weak. She had likely been suffering for a long time. There was no hope that she would get better from this. No chance that she could live a pain-free life, as all bears deserve.
We make a promise to every bear that we rescue, that they will live free from suffering. But after all she’d been through, we couldn’t make that promise to Rocky.
With the heaviest of hearts and tears streaming down our faces, we said goodbye to the dear little bear we’d only been lucky enough to know for 72 hours. Sleep tight little one. No more pain. You were loved, if only for a short time.
We hate to share such sad news with you today. We are all angry and devastated that this sweet little bear never got to feel the grass underneath her paws. Never got to play with friends. Never got to sleep in the sunshine, without fear or pain. Rocky deserved so much more.
Our only comfort is that in her final days, she knew what love felt like. In her last 3 days, she experienced more kindness and love than she’d known in her entire life. A bittersweet thought.
Today we mourn for Rocky, but tomorrow we fight on for every single Rocky out there who still needs help. Who still suffers unseen.
If you would like to donate in memory of Rocky, to help us fight against the evil that stole Rocky’s life and led to her death. You can donate to Rocky’s tribute fund here.
We are so sorry to bring you such heartbreaking news today. But Rocky’s tragic story must not be forgotten, and in her memory we must keep going to make sure no bear ever suffers again as Rocky did.
For standing beside us through thick and thin with your gifts of love and hope, thank you.
Yours, in memory of Rocky and with comforting bear hugs,
Heidi Quine
Vietnam Vet and Bear Team Director, and part of Rocky's care team.
PS This is why Animals Asia began, to help bears like Rocky. To end their agony. To end the industry that broke them. And to end the ultimate injustice that animals are ours to use. To make a special donation in memory of Rocky, who never got the chance to be a bear, go to her special tribute page. Thank you for being a true friend always.
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