First footage of Rumi

For years, Rumi knew only life behind bars.

Rescued from one of South Korea’s last bear bile farms, she spent decades confined to a small metal cage, never knowing the freedom every bear deserves.

Today, Rumi is one step closer to a new beginning.

Her story is one of quiet resilience, gentle curiosity and the beautiful light that has never been extinguished.

Rumi (루미) is one of the five rescued Moon Bears at the heart of the Bears Behind Bars campaign.

Her name means “Beautiful Light”, and she lives up to it in every way.

For years, Rumi shared a tiny cage with Yong-gi. Despite everything they endured together, she has remained calm, curious and quietly resilient.

After a lifetime of surviving on only just enough food and water, Rumi has recently discovered a favourite treat — frozen apple ice lollies.

It is a small moment of joy that hints at the brighter future waiting for her.

Like all our rescued Moon Bears, Rumi never had the chance to simply be a bear.

She had no woodland to explore, no lake to cool off in and no freedom to decide where to spend her day.

Instead, she spent years behind rusting metal bars, deprived of the space and natural experiences every bear deserves.

Yet throughout it all, Rumi’s gentle nature has endured.

Soon, Rumi will begin an entirely new chapter.

At Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, a purpose-built reserve is waiting to welcome her.

She’ll be free to wander beneath the trees, forage through woodland, cool off in the lake and relax on peaceful islands designed to help rescued bears feel safe as they begin their rehabilitation.

After a lifetime spent behind bars, Rumi’s beautiful light can finally shine.

Rumi and her bear family have now been cleared to travel, but one final challenge remains.

We are raising the final £150,000 needed to bring all five rescued Moon Bears safely from South Korea to Suffolk.

Your donation will help fund specialist transport, veterinary care, bespoke travel crates and the final preparations for their reserve.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings Rumi one step closer to the life she has waited so long to experience.

Donate today and help bring Rumi home: https://gofund.me/74bc01ace

Each of our five rescued Moon Bears has their own remarkable story of survival, resilience and hope.

Over the course of this week, we’ll introduce each bear as they prepare for the journey to their forever home at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park.

🐻 Bara (To Watch, To Hope) ✓

🐻 Yong-gi (Courage) ✓

🐻 Huimang (Hope) ✓

🐻 Saebit (New Light)

🐻 Rumi (Beautiful Light)

Follow their stories as each bear is revealed.

Find out more about our Moon Bear Rescue mission.