Animals Asia, working with the Danang forest protection department, successfully rescued the bear and moved it to the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre at Bach Ma National Park in Hue City on February 2.
Animals Asia said the bear had been kept in captivity for more than 25 years on the premises of a business in Danang. The animal had been fitted with an electronic microchip by the Vietnam Forestry and Forest Protection Authority and monitored periodically.
The owner voluntarily handed over the bear without requesting any financial support, saying they wanted the animal to live in an environment more suited to its natural behaviour.
This is the first bear rescue recorded nationwide in 2026.
According to the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre, the bear has dental and limb injuries and requires specialist care. After arriving at Bach Ma, it will be kept in quarantine for 30 days before being introduced to other bears and gradually integrated into a semi natural environment.
To date, Animals Asia has rescued a total of 291 bears in Vietnam. Thirteen bears are currently being cared for in semi natural enclosures at Bach Ma National Park.
Figures from the Vietnam forestry and forest protection authority show that after this rescue, only one captive bear remains in Danang. Nationwide, more than 150 bears are still being kept in captivity and are in need of rescue as part of wider wildlife conservation efforts.