Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Born Free does not just campaign to end the exploitation of bears in zoos. In 2001 we took this one stage further when we started rescuing orphaned polar bear cubs in Churchill, Canada in partnership with Manitoba Conservation. Previously these orphans were either sent to zoos to endure a lifetime in captivity, or euthanased.  But today, by masking their scent with Vicks Vapo-Rub, we have proved it is possible to successfully introduce them to surrogate mothers and life in the wild once more.

‘Bear watching’ is big business in Churchill and Born Free also investigates how tourists affect bear behaviour and encourages a good code of practice.  Brown bears sometimes come in contact with people in Europe and Born Free works to humanely resolve conflict between livestock owners and wild bears.  Born Free supports the rescue of bears from bile farms in China and Vietnam, and helps care for dancing bears rescued in India.