An urgent international rescue mission has been launched to save a family of Moon Bears from a lifetime of suffering inside one of South Korea’s last remaining bear bile farms.

The campaign, Bears Behind Bars, led by Space for the Wild, aims to bring five bears to safety in the UK – giving them a second chance after years spent in captivity.

Taken from their mothers as cubs, these bears have spent their entire lives confined to small metal cages.

They are among around 200 bears still living in the final phase of South Korea’s bear bile farming industry – a practice now being phased out, but one that has left many animals with nowhere to go.

While progress has been made, a lack of available sanctuary space means some rescued bears still face the risk of being put to sleep.

This is what makes Bears Behind Bars so urgent.

Space for the Wild is working to rescue five Moon Bears and bring them safely to the UK, where they can begin recovery and rehabilitation.

The mission is complex, involving international coordination, specialist care and carefully managed transport.

After years of trauma, even bears strong enough to travel face risks along the way.

But it is a chance worth taking.

“When I met these Moon Bears in South Korea, it was heartbreaking. This life behind metal bars is all they’ve ever known.

They are so close to freedom, but without somewhere for them to go, their story could end there.

We cannot let that happen.

With the right support, we can give these bears a second chance.”

This rescue is only possible with public support.

Every donation helps move these bears one step closer to freedom.

Every bear has a story.

How it ends is up to us.

👉 Read more and support the Bears Behind Bars rescue →