Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh: History, Bear Types, And Complete Travel Guide

The Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary is a dedicated conservation site in Vietnam with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect bears that have suffered abuse and exploitation. It was founded by the international animal welfare organization Four Paws.

The Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary is located on Cuc Phuong – Bai Dinh Road in Ky Phu Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province. Close to Cuc Phuong National Park and about 110 km from Hanoi. This 5.5-hectare sanctuary offers a haven for rescued bears and an educational site that raises awareness about wildlife protection.

The sanctuary is unique in its focus on rescuing and rehabilitating Asiatic black bears and sun bears – species often captured and exploited in the illegal bile trade. Bears that arrive at the sanctuary receive medical care and psychological support from a team of specialists, helping them recover from years of mistreatment. 

Visitors can witness these bears living freely in a semi-natural environment. They also have the opportunity to learn about the sanctuary’s impressive rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Primarily devoted to bear conservation and care, Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary has limited tourist activities, with sightseeing as the primary offering. To help you make the most of your visit, GTrip has gathered all the essential information and a detailed guide to exploring this remarkable place.

Visitor information

• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Entrance fee: Tickets to the elevated walkway are 50,000 VND per adult and 30,000 VND per child (ages 5-10). 

All ticket proceeds go directly toward the rescue and care of bears – many of whom have fallen victim to Vietnam’s illegal bile trafficking and captivity.

A small corner inside Ninh Binh bear sanctuary

History and mission of Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

The Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary was established in November 2017, marking a significant milestone in the fight against illegal wildlife exploitation. Its inception came in response to the urgent need to protect bears from the devastating impacts of the bear bile trade and other forms of abuse.

The sanctuary primarily focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating bears affected by the illegal bear bile trade. The sanctuary aims to provide these bears with a safe and nurturing environment through dedicated efforts. They can recover physically and psychologically from their traumatic experiences.

To further its mission, Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary collaborates with various organizations, including the renowned animal welfare organization Four Paws. These partnerships are crucial for enhancing wildlife conservation efforts in Vietnam, particularly in advocating for bear protection. They also play a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.

The sanctuary rescues bears and fights against the illegal wildlife trade through these initiatives. The center ensures a brighter future for these majestic creatures and contributes to broader conservation efforts.

Ninh Binh bear sanctuary creates the most natural space for bears to survive and develop best

Who is Four Paws?

Four Paws is a global animal welfare organization founded in 1988 in Vienna, Austria, by Heli Dungler. The organization protects animals under human influence, focusing on those in captivity exploited for entertainment, fashion, agriculture, and pets. Four Paws operates globally, carrying out animal rescue missions and running sanctuaries. It also leads advocacy campaigns to influence laws and raise public awareness about animal welfare.

The organization’s key areas of focus include:

• Rescuing and rehabilitating abused wild animals, such as bears and big cats, kept in unsuitable conditions.
• They are protecting stray animals, particularly dogs and cats.
• You are advocating for better treatment of farm animals.
• We are promoting animal-friendly lifestyles and sustainable alternatives to animal exploitation.

Through its partnerships and global initiatives, Four Paws supports wildlife conservation efforts and advocates for animal rights. The organization also works to improve living conditions for animals around the world.

Types of bears at Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

The Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary was established to rescue and rehabilitate bears from exploitation and harsh conditions. Its mission began in November 2017 with the rescue of its first bears. This facility provides a safe environment for these animals to recover and live in peace, far removed from the challenges they previously faced.

The sanctuary primarily cares for Asiatic black bears, known as moon bears, due to the crescent-shaped marking on their chests. Occasionally, it also takes in Malayan sun bears, ensuring each bear receives specialized care and rehabilitation. Often rescued from dire situations, these species are given a chance to heal and thrive.

The sanctuary houses approximately 62 rescued bears, each with a unique and often heartbreaking background. Many of these animals were previously subjected to harsh treatment or confinement, but at Ninh Binh, they find compassionate care and protection. To read more about the rescue and rehabilitation process visit.

The bear's name is Freddie

Facilities and environment

The sanctuary offers spacious, naturalistic enclosures replicating the forested habitats where bears thrive. These large enclosures create an environment that supports the bears’ natural behaviors. They allow the bears to roam, forage, and interact in a safe, protected space closer to their native surroundings.

A key aspect of the sanctuary’s care is Bear Health and Rehabilitation, supported by expert veterinarians who provide essential medical and psychological care. This team ensures that each rescued bear, often scarred by captivity, receives the treatment needed for their physical and mental recovery. Rehabilitation programs are tailored to meet bears rescued from bile farms’ unique needs, focusing on restoring their health and well-being.

In addition to bear care, the sanctuary also includes educational facilities that inform visitors about the effects of the bear bile trade. These facilities emphasize the broader importance of wildlife conservation as well. Through these educational efforts, the sanctuary raises awareness and promotes a deeper understanding of the ongoing actions necessary to protect bears. It also highlights the importance of safeguarding other vulnerable wildlife species.

The bear's name is Keo, and he looks comfortable on this wooden plank

Visiting Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

The Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary offers visitors a memorable experience with guided tours where we can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation processes for bears. These tours provide insights into the sanctuary’s mission and the challenges bears face, raising awareness about the efforts needed to create a safe and protective environment for these animals.

In addition to tours, the sanctuary provides various educational programs featuring interactive activities focused on wildlife conservation. These programs engage visitors of all ages with hands-on activities and informative presentations on different aspects of conservation.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the impacts of bear bile farming and the importance of protecting natural habitats. You’ll also discover the role each individual can play in protecting wildlife. These educational programs aim to inspire visitors to commit to animal conservation.

You can purchase souvenirs from the sanctuary’s gift shop to remember your visit. These items serve as mementos of the experience and support the sanctuary’s efforts in caring for rescued bears. Each purchase represents a step forward in raising conservation and animal welfare awareness.

The bear's name is Lili

What to eat in Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

The Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary provides a taste of local cuisine with various flavorful and healthy options that highlight traditional ingredients and Vietnamese flavors. Here’s a look at some of the standout dishes:

• Flavorful stir-fried tofu: This dish bursts with flavor, combining fried tofu with aromatic spices like lemongrass and horn chili. Served with steamed white rice, it’s a satisfying meal with a deliciously spicy punch.
• Sweet potato cocoon: Crispy on the outside and deliciously sweet on the inside, this dish is a favorite among sweet-potato lovers and a hit with children. Its natural sweetness and crispy texture make it an enjoyable treat.
• Fried spring rolls: These classic Vietnamese fried spring rolls, filled with fresh vegetables, offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Paired with a sweet and spicy soy sauce made by local chefs, they’re perfect as an appetizer or main course.
• Fresh rolls: A healthy and vibrant option, fresh rolls are packed with ingredients like cucumber, carrots, eggs, herbs, and green banana, all wrapped in rice paper. Customizable ingredients allow you to create a roll that suits your tastes perfectly.

Each dish offers a unique taste of Ninh Binh’s local cuisine and makes a flavorful addition to your visit to the sanctuary.

After visiting the Ninh Binh bear sanctuary, try spring rolls to energize yourself for other activities.

Conservation and rescue efforts

Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary focuses on rescuing bears from illegal wildlife trade and bear bile farms, actively removing these animals from harmful conditions. These rescue operations aim to provide a haven for bears that have endured exploitation and neglect, offering them a chance at a healthier life.

The sanctuary leads Global and Local Efforts by working alongside international conservation organizations and local authorities. This collaboration enhances the success of rescue operations and helps improve wildlife protection laws. It also raises awareness, creating a more robust conservation-support network.

The sanctuary provides extensive physical and psychological rehabilitation for bears that have been rescued. In Physical rehabilitation, bears suffering from malnutrition and neglect undergo medical treatments and structured exercise programs to restore their health. Psychological recovery focuses on helping bears overcome the trauma of years of confinement, with specialized care aimed at reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviors.

This bear named May

How to support and volunteer for Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

The Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary provides several meaningful ways for individuals to support its mission and get involved directly in bear care and conservation. Here are some key options:

Donations and sponsorships: One impactful way to support the sanctuary is through donations or bear sponsorships. By sponsoring a bear, supporters can contribute directly to the animals’ food, medical care, and overall well-being, helping provide a better life for bears rescued from captivity.

Volunteer opportunities: The sanctuary offers a variety of volunteer programs, inviting people to participate hands-on in bear care and conservation. These programs include:

• Animal care assistance: Volunteers assist with tasks like feeding and general bear care, working closely with sanctuary staff to ensure the bears receive proper nourishment and support.
• Educational support: Volunteers also have opportunities to contribute to the sanctuary’s educational programs, helping to inform visitors about wildlife conservation, the bear bile trade, and the importance of protecting these animals.

Each of these support options allows volunteers and donors alike to make a positive impact on bear conservation and contribute to the sanctuary’s efforts in a meaningful way.

We can see that this bear named May is happily playing inside the garden of Ninh Binh bear sanctuary

Additional pieces of information on Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary is open daily; check hours, accessibility, and fees in advance for a smooth visit.

Legal framework and animal rights

The sanctuary operates within Vietnamese Wildlife Laws, adhering to strict wildlife conservation and animal rights guidelines. Efforts to combat the illegal Bear Bile Trade are also strongly supported by the sanctuary. Which collaborates with government bodies and legal organizations to stop harmful practices and promote protective legislation. Through its work, the sanctuary raises public awareness about the dangers of the bear bile trade and the importance of animal rights.

Impact and success stories

The sanctuary proudly showcases its impact and success stories, demonstrating its achievements in rescuing and rehabilitating bears. Over the years, rescue statistics reveal the sanctuary’s commitment to saving bears from illegal captivity, and many of these bears have been successfully rehabilitated and now live safely within the sanctuary. Some high-profile rescues have also drawn significant attention, highlighting the sanctuary’s role in fighting wildlife exploitation.

Threats and challenges

Despite its successes, the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary continues to face threats and challenges due to the ongoing illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam. Financial and operational constraints remain a significant barrier to expanding the sanctuary’s efforts. By addressing these challenges, the refuge strives to protect even more bears and raise further awareness about the dangers and cruelty of bear bile farming.

Bear with name "Sang" on the wooden bed in Ninh Binh bear sanctuary