Greenskin Wine’s Update on Fonty the Bear
14 October 2024
Greenskin Wine’s Update on Fonty the Bear
14 October 2024
Greenskin Wine’s Update on Fonty the Bear
We are excited to share an update on Fonty, the beautiful Sun bear we adopted earlier this year.
Rescued in 2022 and now thriving in Laos, Fonty is a symbol of hope for the vulnerable species.
Sun bears, native to 11 Southeast Asian countries, are tragically labelled “Vulnerable to Extinction” by the IUCN. They face threats from poaching for their skin, paws, and organs and are often sold as pets while young.
The combination of illegal hunting and habitat loss is causing rapid declines in their population, making Fonty’s rescue even more meaningful.
How is Fonty Doing?
Fonty continues to flourish! She now weighs in at a healthy 52kg, which is typical for an adult female Sun bear. She is calm and gentle, getting along well with the other bears in the sanctuary.
While Fonty enjoys foraging on the ground and prefers to keep things simple, she’s known to have a sweet tooth for bananas – though she’s not quite fond of choko! (who is?)
Over the past few months, Fonty’s group is set to grow, as the sanctuary recently rescued two more Sun bears. However, Facebook, one of the males in her group, may relocate as soon as he nears sexual maturity.
Growth at the Sanctuary
The sanctuary in Laos has been bustling with activity. In the last six months, nine more bears were rescued, including three moon bear cubs in Cambodia – one sadly lost a paw in a snare trap.
These are Cambodia’s first bear rescues in two years, and the sanctuary has expanded significantly to accommodate the growing population.
Two new bear houses were opened in Laos, ensuring rescued bears have the space and care they deserve.
Fonty's Journey Continues
As of September 2024, the sanctuary has rescued 30 bears this year, the highest number in its 29-year history.
Sadly, the sanctuary recently bid farewell to a beloved bear named Brandy, a loss that has deeply touched the staff and supporters.
Stay tuned for more updates as Fonty continues to enjoy her peaceful life in Laos!
Can You Help Too?
Fonty and her fellow bears receive essential care daily thanks to Free The Bears incredible team. Greenskin Wine is proud to support their work, and with your help, they can continue providing safety and rehabilitation for hundreds of rescued Sun bears and Moon bears like Fonty.
Unfortunately, many bears are still suffering in bile farms and caught in the illegal wildlife trade. Free The Bears rescues more of these bears each month, placing additional strain on their already limited resources. But together, we can make a difference.
You can help by becoming a monthly Bear Carer – the Bear Buddy level costs less than a weekly coffee, yet it directly supports the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of these beautiful animals.
Every little bit helps protect these vulnerable creatures and gives them the chance to thrive.
All contributions, large or small will go a long way toward giving these bears the future they deserve.
Cheers,
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).
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?
