Pooh is walking through shrubs at the sanctuary, probably looking for snacks

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Adopt Pooh today

Meet playful Pooh

Hello. My name's Pooh. I'm 17 years old and I'm a male Asiatic black bear. My friends say I'm sweet, loyal and playful but I have been known to be a bit naughty, too.

As I’m blind, I live in a special area of the sanctuary for disabled bears. I can find my way around the familiar surroundings very well now.

My favourite things to do are snoozing and playing with my friends, and I like to eat, eat and eat some more, I’ve been told I eat a lot for such a small bear (rude!). I really love apples and the delicious flat bread the staff make for me and all the bears at the sanctuary.

I’m looking to make new friends and share more of my story. Do you have room in your heart for me?

Pooh who is scheduled to be released into the new enclosure once completed.

Pooh's journey

Before Pooh arrived at Balkasar sanctuary he was a bait bear. Chained to a post in the middle of the baiting ring and forced to fight dogs trained to attack. Pooh was rescued in a police raid in January 2015. Safe at Balkasar, vets realised the extent of his trauma had left him completely blind, but otherwise healthy and with a playful, friendly character.

Yes, I'll adopt Pooh today

Pooh's forever home

Pooh is now safe and well living in his forever home. He is too fragile to live in the main sanctuary enclosure, instead he lives in a special area of Balkasar sanctuary with the other disabled bears. Pooh receives the best veterinary care he needs, plenty of food and he has a large area to roam about. He has come to know his space very well and can find his way around, he loves exploring.

After a horrific start to his life, Pooh now lives a happy life with his friends. He has come a really long way, and it is truly a testament to the character of this remarkable little bear, and the amazing care he receives from the dedicated staff at the Balkasar sanctuary.

We can’t erase the past for little Pooh, but we can give him the best life possible with all the care and support he needs.

Please adopt Pooh today and give him the happy, beautiful life he deserves

Pictured: A male Asiatic black bear up close

What you will receive

Adopt Pooh today, and within a couple of weeks you’ll receive a very special welcome in the post.

Your pack will include an official certification of adoption, a bookmark with photos of Pooh and a fridge magnet.

If your adoption is a gift, we will send you confirmation of your kind gift and send a very special welcome pack to your recipient.

End animal suffering

All animals deserve a life without cruelty and pain

An elephant is standing behind a fence and is reaching out to tourists with its trunk. The tourists are standing in front of the elephant taking selfies and pictures.

Elephants are cruelly trained for tourist entertainment

Their wild spirit brutally broken through a training process called ‘the crush’. This is just the beginning of a life of abuse and suffering.

One of the bears at Vu Van Hien (Thai Thuy) farm on day one of rescue. The bear is sitting in the corner and is looking sad and frightened.

Bears spend a lifetime locked up and alone in tiny cages

They suffer excruciating pain as their bile is extracted and used traditional medicines.

Animals across the world endure a lifetime of intense physical and mental suffering

But with your support, with your big heart, we can end the cruel exploitation of animals and give them a life worth living.

We will use your donation where the need is greatest to protect animals, like those featured in this appeal, from cruelty and suffering.