Rescued bears find new life in South Korean sanctuary

In the "Bear Habitat" sanctuary in Hwacheon, South Korea, rescued bears are finding a new lease on life. Among them is Sandeul, a four-month-old Asiatic black bear cub, and his mother, Haeya, who were saved in May from a bile farm in Gyeonggi Province. Their former home was a cramped, dark cage barely large enough for a person to lie down in.

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The young bear is curious about the world and also scared. And he still has no manners towards his mother. (Laughter)

Sandeul, full of youthful energy, explores his new surroundings with curiosity, climbing trees and playing on his mother. His mother, Haeya, estimated to be 13 years old, is also adapting, though older bears often show apprehension towards open spaces. This fear stems from a lifetime spent in confinement, never having experienced grass or soil underfoot.

The "Bear Habitat," established in 2021 by the Bear Sanctuary Project, now houses 16 bears. While Sandeul is a young cub, the other 15 residents are elderly, ranging from 15 to 20 years old. The sanctuary has worked to improve their environment, creating "bear forests" with large outdoor enclosures and providing "enrichment" activities using recycled materials like tires and hoses to stimulate the bears mentally and physically.

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Bears don't necessarily like being released into a large space; they are usually afraid. They have never stepped on grass or soil.

However, the future for many of South Korea's captive bears remains uncertain. A law passed in 2023 prohibits the farming, breeding, and ownership of bears from January 1, 2024. Despite this, Sandeul was born illegally on a farm after the law's passage. The sanctuary is also exploring the possibility of transferring some bears abroad due to a lack of adequate domestic facilities and international criticism of the country's captive bear situation.

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The mother also adapted quickly, but the cub adapted to the new environment almost immediately.

The debate over the bears' subspecies and their potential for reintroduction into the wild continues. While the government distinguishes between the "Ussuri black bear" being reintroduced in Jirisan National Park and the "Japanese black bear" kept on farms, genetic studies have shown some overlap. Animal rights groups argue for the protection of these bears, while others question whether releasing bears accustomed to captivity into the wild is truly in their best interest.

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Half of the rescued individuals have poor dental and eye health.