Cheers to Compassion: Greenskin Wine Adpots A Sun Bear with Free the Bears
7 May 2024
Cheers to Compassion: Greenskin Wine Adpots A Sun Bear with Free the Bears
We have some heartwarming news to share. We are thrilled to announce that Greenskin Wine has officially adopted a female Sun Bear through the incredible organisation Free the Bears.
How could you not? Look at the little face! We have named her Fonty the Greenskin Bear.
fonty's story
Fonty’s story is one of both resilience and hope. Rescued from central Laos in November 2022, Fonty had endured nearly six years of captivity as a “trophy” pet, confined to a cage.
Despite the challenges she faced, the rescuers report that Fonty remains an intelligent, gentle, and beautiful bear deserving of a life free from suffering.
At Free the Bears’ Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, Fonty will receive the care and attention she needs to thrive. However, due to a lack of safe and protected forests suitable for release, Fonty will likely require lifelong care at the Sanctuary.
Greenskin Wine is honored to contribute to Fonty’s well-being and support the vital work of Free the Bears in providing a safe haven for bears like her.
free the bears story
The story of Free the Bears began in 1993 when Mary Hutton, inspired by a television program depicting the horrifying conditions of bears in Asia, decided to take action.
What started as a petition quickly grew into the establishment of Free the Bears Fund as a not-for-profit charity in 1995. Since then, Free the Bears has been dedicated to rescuing bears from cruel captivity, providing them with sanctuary, and advocating for their protection in the wild.
From rescuing bears trapped in bile farms to ending the tradition of dancing bears in India, Free the Bears has made significant strides in protecting some of the world’s most vulnerable bear species.
With sanctuaries in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, Free the Bears continues providing ongoing care to hundreds of rescued sun and moon bears, including Fonty.
ongoing threats
However, the threats facing Asia’s bears remain persistent. Illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and bear bile farming continue to endanger bear populations across the region.
Through education, advocacy, and rescue efforts, Free the Bears are working tirelessly to address these threats and ensure a brighter future for bears in Asia.
we're thrilled to help
As we raise a glass to Fonty the Greenskin Bear and her newfound home at Free the Bears’ Sanctuary, let us also raise awareness of the ongoing challenges facing bears in the wild.
With your support, we can make a difference in the lives of bears like Fonty and contribute to a world where all animals are treated with kindness and compassion.
Cheers to Fonty and to a future where bears roam freely in the wild.
Mike and Kim
watch fonty's rescue
Fonty was rescued during a week when Free The Bears rescued bears in three countries within the same week, only the 2nd time in Free The Bears 28-year history that this has occurred.
You can watch the rescue here (Fonty is the 2nd bear rescued).
how you can help
Without protected forest for release, Free The Bears need to provide lifelong support to hundreds of rescued sun bears and moon bears.
Both species are endangered, listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable to Extinction.
Free The Bears can only provide this ongoing care with your help.
There are also bears suffering in bile farms and the illegal wildlife trade that Free The Bears continue to rescue each month, placing strain on their small charity and limited resources.
PLEASE HELP by becoming a monthly BEAR CARER (the Bear Buddy level is less than the cost of a coffee each week).
more information
To see more about the important work Free The Bears is doing, watch this BBC documentary – it is simply incredible!
Want to know more?
