Friday 10 June 2011

Some news we just couldn't wait to share with you...

Remember Bhoori? It was just three months ago that together with our partners, the BRC, we were able to rescue her from the cruelty of bear baiting - the ring which pierced her nose proof of the years of suffering she endured.

But now, thanks to your support of Bricks for Bears, we're pleased to report that Bhoori is settling in very well in her new home at Balkasar Sanctuary. After spending time recovering and receiving expert care in quarantine, Bhoori is finally learning to become a bear again in the open spaces of the Sanctuary. We've been told she was a bit shy at first, but now she is really enjoying the pools, and the lush green herbs and grasses.

Thank you for helping us to make this possible. With your continued support, this is the kind of life we hope to provide for the around 70 bears still trapped in the cruelty of bear baiting.

We just had to share this amazing first update with you, but more news about Bhoori and the other bears is coming, so make sure you keep an eye out on our Facebook page.

Monday 21 March 2011

After more than four years trapped in the daily horror of bear baiting , blind, 6 year old Chowti is finally getting used to freedom in her new enclosure at Balkasar Sanctuary. The last news we shared of her, told you of her emergency rescue and beginnings of recovery. But now we're thrilled to update you on just how well she's doing, settling in to her new home - a journey which illustrates how vital your donations have been.

Since rescue in December last year, and time spent recuperating in the sanctuary's quarantine area, Chowti's health has improved dramatically. However this transformation took some time. In fact, the first time she stepped out into her own enclosure, it took 40 minutes for our team to encourage her to venture out, due to her blindness and past trauma.
 
"At first she was very hesitant, only coming into the enclosure with a trail of food and would not go deep within, preferring to stay close to the periphery. Though there was no real tangible obvious gesture, I could just sense the change in Chowti, seeing her for the first time walking without any chain, wound or restriction, savouring her first real bite of freedom in her life," describes Dr. Fakhar-i-Abbas, Chief Executive of member society, the Bioresource Research Centre.

Chowti still moves uncertainly around her enclosure. With no sight to guide her she relies heavily on her sense of smell to explore and familiarise herself with surroundings. But she's safe and enjoying her new home. She is even learning to forage for her own food and make a shelter. Staff say that the young bear has also developed a great interest in exploring acacia shrubs.

Thank you for supporting Bricks for Bears. It is because of your help that bears like Chowti are able to escape a life of cruelty, and become bears again. Is there anything more rewarding? We don't think so.

Want to do more? It's not too late to buy a brick and spread the word. With around 70 bears still trapped in the cruelty of bear baiting, we won't give up until they're all free. But we can't do it alone.

Tuesday 15 February 2011

We have some exciting news to share: three more bears have been rescued in Pakistan!

All beautiful girls, Bhoori is the oldest. A 10 year old Brown Bear, her name means exactly that - brown. For the past few years she has been a victim of bear baiting. Her teeth were pulled out as a young cub, and the poor conditions of her captivity has meant her hind legs have also been damaged. But thanks to your help, we were able to bring her to safety at Balkasar Sanctuary.

Along, with Bhoori, came 8 year old Brown Bear Leela. Her name means play, but life for Leela has been anything but playful. At first she appeared to be very strong and active, but it soon became clear that she is indeed blind or at least severely vision impaired. Baiting would have been a terrifying experience for her. But that is not the case anymore.

Their third companion is Kaali. 5 years old, Kaali may be the smallest and youngest of the three, but she is very active . Her name means black. She is an Asiatic Black Bear after all. At a very young age all of Kaali's canine teeth were removed - a painful procedure that was most likely performed without anaesthetic. For almost half her life she's been used in bear baiting events, but now she is finally free from this cruelty and it is because of your help that we can introduce her to freedom.

All three bears will have their wounds treated in our clinic and will be nourished in our quarantine area to get them ready for their final release into the open spaces of our enclosures. They will finally be able to live the lives that they deserve because of your contributions to Bricks for Bears. Thank you!

We'll keep you updated on the progress of our new friends, and the more than 60 bears that still need rescue, as we continue our work to put an end to bear baiting. Until then, let's celebrate the arrival of Bhoori, Leela and Kaali - what great news to start the year!

Want to help? It's not too late to buy a brick. Or help spread the word and get your friends involved too.

© BRC

Meet the newest addition to the Balkasar Sanctuary! Six year old Chowti, a female Asiatic black bear. Blind in both eyes, Chowti suffered more than four years of unimaginable cruelty before she was rescued just hours after her last bear baiting event. She was immediately transported to Balkasar Sanctuary where her fresh wounds were washed and treated, the ring removed that had long pierced her muzzle, and where she could enjoy some much-deserved rest.

Thank you to all of you who have supported WSPA's Bricks for Bears campaign this year. It is because of your help that Chowti now has a safe place to recover and start her new life. She is currently in our quarantine area and she will be moved into a training area, where she will spend about three weeks before we can release her into the sanctuary's open spaces.

Since she is blind in both eyes, Chowti won't be able to see the daylight when the shutters go up in the quarantine area, but she will be able to rely on her senses of smell and touch to find her way out. She'll be safe, well-fed and cared for. Thank you to all of you for making this possible.

Now that the first phase of sanctuary construction is complete, Bricks for Bears is coming to an end. What's next? Well, now we can start rescuing more bears like Chowti. And alongside these rescues and the further development of the Balkasar Sanctuary, we will continue our public education and alternative livelihoods work to ensure we achieve a sustainable end to bear baiting.

"We know there are plenty more bears like Chowti in Pakistan, suffering at the hands of their owners and the landlords who allow bear baiting to take place on their land. But we've had fantastic support from the provincial authorities, and we know Chowti won't be the last bear we rescue," said Fakhar-i-Abbas, Chief Executive of our member society, Bioresource Research Centre (BRC) in Pakistan.

So we want to say a special thank you to our Bricks for Bears ambassador Nick Maxwell who has done so much to support the campaign. Thanks to Nick and to you we have reached our goal of being able to provide a safe future home for these bears at the Balkasar Sanctuary.

We have three bears enjoying their new-found freedom there already, with little Chowti joining them very soon. Keep an eye on our WSPA website for updates on their progress, our continuing work and how you can stay involved in helping us to end the cruelty of bear baiting.

On behalf of Sohrab, Babu, Maylu and Chowti, and from all of us here at WSPA, BRC and Balkasar Sanctuary: thank you!

Monday 1 November 2010

© BRC/WSPA 

We are thrilled to report the first stage of Balkasar Bear Sanctuary is officially open, and the first three bears have moved in.

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone that has supported the Bricks for Bears campaign - it is because of you that these bears now have a safe home.

We still have so much to do to complete the Balkasar sanctuary but we are celebrating the opening of the first enclosure, which is the first milestone on this important journey.

The staff at the new sanctuary are delighted and say: "It is a joy to see how much all three bears enjoyed finally being released into the enclosure and the outdoor den areas. They get along very well with each other and are now exploring their new territory."

There is still a lot to complete at Balkasar with our clinics and staff facilities still under construction, however some of the habitat areas including pools and dens are complete. As you can see, Sohrab (pictured above) is already getting to know her surroundings and enjoying taking a dip in the pool.

We are working hard to complete Balkasar Sanctuary so we can start the real work of rescuing the 70 remaining bears still used in bear baiting events. The clock is ticking for their survival as each day they are faced with the terrible prospect of fighting against trained attack dogs, simply for entertainment. Thanks to Bricks for Bears supporters, their rescue is now much closer.

Dr. Jan Michael Schmidt-Burbach our Wildlife Veterinary Programmes Manager passes on his appreciation for helping to create this sanctuary: "Thanks to WSPA supporters, Balkasar Sanctuary will allow us to provide space for all remaining bear baiting bears."

We have immediate need to rescue three bears being actively used in bear baiting events and we hope to rescue them over the next few months.

Let's celebrate this first milestone and with your help we can complete the sanctuary, and continue working towards our goal of ending bear baiting forever.

© BRC/WSPA

Friday 15 October 2010

We want to say a big thank you to all of you who have supported our Bricks for Bears campaign - it's because of friends like you that we are now making great progress towards completing the new Balkasar sanctuary.

We are getting closer now to the day when the sanctuary will be ready to provide a safe haven for bears currently still trapped in the cruel blood sport of bear baiting.

And it will soon be ready to provide a long-term home for for Babu (pictured below), Maylu and Sohrab, the three bears rescued from our flooded Kund Park sanctuary, currently waiting to be fully released when basic construction is complete.

To help us reach this goal there is one more thing you can do - simply tell five of your friends about Bricks for Bears. Ask them to follow your example and buy a virtual brick.

We know what a difference friends can make. All your friends have to do is visit www.bricksforbears.org.au to find out more about how they can help.

So please tell five friends today and help us to end the cruelty of bear baiting.

Tuesday, September 28 2010

Collingwood Captain Nick Maxwell has won $15,500 to help the innocent victims of bear baiting. The WSPA Ambassador played Channel 7's Deal or no Deal on Friday and won $15,500 for Bricks for Bears.

It's a great result for the bears of Pakistan - this money will help fund WSPA's new Balkasar bear sanctuary so that we can rescue and care for those bears still trapped in the cruelty of bear baiting.

Work on the new bear sanctuary is underway, however we need urgent support to complete and set up the sanctuary for the long term. Nick, as a passionate supporter of our Bricks for Bears campaign, has been helping to spread the word about the cruelty of bear baiting and the need for this sanctuary to be completed as soon as possible.

Do something amazing for these bears - add your support to Nick's and buy a brick today or help us to spread the word. You'll be helping us to give the bears the care and security they deserve.

Thursday 23 September 2010

In the lead up to the AFL Grand Final this weekend, Collingwood Captain Nick Maxwell is taking time out to play another very important game - he will take part in Deal or no Deal on Friday to win funds for Bricks for Bears.

The WSPA ambassador, who is committed to speaking out about the cruelty of bear baiting, says: "I play sport because I want to. But the bears forced to take part in these events are not so lucky."

Work on the new bear sanctuary is underway, however we need urgent support to complete and set it up to provide long-term care for bears still to be rescued.

To show your support for Nick and for the bears, buy a brick today - or ask your family and friends to follow your lead if you already have.

And be watching Deal or no Deal this Friday night, Channel 7 at 5.30 pm and cheer Nick on as he plays for funds - to help us to give these bears the care and security they deserve.

Tuesday 24 August 2010

Over the past few weeks the world has watched as heavy monsoons have caused the worst floods in Pakistan for 80 years. WSPA's existing Kund Park bear sanctuary is located between the Indus and Kabul Rivers in North-West Frontier Province, the epicentre of the recent floods, and so was badly affected.

As we reported earlier this month, WSPA member society the Bioresource Research Centre (BRC) did all they could to secure the safety of the bears at Kund Park before they had to evacuate for their own personal safety.  And, as soon as the floodwaters receded, they worked around the clock to search for the bears, finding - against all odds - Babu, Maylu and Sohrab alive. 

This moving video tells the story of these bears and the work or BRC and WSPA to rescue and care for them:

Babu was confiscated from poachers in 2009 and, aged just five months old was taken to the Kund Park sanctuary. Three year old Maylu was rescued in 2006, saved from the black market bear trade. Sohrab is a two year old Asiatic black bear who had been living peacefully at the Kund Park sanctuary since January 2007. All three were taken to the still-to-be-completed new sanctuary at Balkasar, 160 kilometres away. 

The damage to Kund Park is so severe that is seems unlikely that it can be rebuilt in the near future, perhaps at all. The new Balkasar sanctuary will eventually have the capacity to not only provide a home for Babu, Maylu and Sohrab, but for the remaining 70 or so bears still being used to fight in bear baiting arenas.

It is now more urgent than ever that building work on the Balkasar sanctuary is completed. 

And it's only with your help that we can make this happen.

Wednesday August 4 2010

© BRC

Local staff launched heroic rescues over the weekend, saving three of the 23 bears that were feared dead when our existing sanctuary Kund Park was submerged in the floods last week.

Fakhar Abbas, Director of WSPA member society the Bioresearch Centre (BRC), has confirmed that Dewa, Sohrab and Maylu have been rescued from the flooded area.

Residents of the surrounding villages spotted the bears and alerted BRC staff. Despite inaccessible roads and vague information on the locations, the staff bravely ventured into the flooded areas in search of the bears.

Although much of BRC's equipment was destroyed in the floods, the staff managed to obtain dart guns and tranquiliser medication from local authorities, so that they could rescue the bears. Once sedated, the bears - accompanied by a BRC veterinarian - were transported to the site of our new Balkasar sanctuary.

Fortunately, we can provide a safe haven for these rescued bears at Balkasar. Although far from complete, it is an adequate new home for Babu, Sohrab and Maylu.

As can be expected, the bears were very stressed when they first recovered from their sedatives. They started to calm down once the water pools in their dens were working and their health is being closely monitored by the BRC veterinarian.

Although the fate of the Kund Park sanctuary and the remaining 20 bears is unclear for now, WSPA remains committed to our campaign to end the cruelty of bear baiting.

But we need your help to make this happen. Every virtual brick that you buy brings us one step closer to completing the Balkasar sanctuary - and to being able to rescue more bears.

Please buy a brick today or help us to spread the word.

Monday August 2 2010

Over the weekend we have learnt that floods in Pakistan, caused by what is being described as the 'heaviest monsoon flooding since 1929', have resulted in severe damage at our existing bear sanctuary, Kund Park.

As many as 23 bears are feared dead after the floodwaters rose as high as 60 ft above river level.

Mike Baker CEO of WSPA International said, "For the bears involved, this is a tragedy twice over; these bears had suffered such terrible cruelty before they were brought to the sanctuary. Losing them to a natural disaster now would be devastating for our staff, many of whom worked tirelessly to rescue these bears, as well as for WSPA supporters worldwide."

The sanctuary is operated by WSPA member society Bioresource Research Centre (BRC) whose staff stayed on location as long as they could before they had to evacuate for personal safety; hundreds of people have been reported killed by the rising floods.

"At the moment it is impossible to get back into the sanctuary - the whole area, for kilometres around, is now submerged," said Fakhar Abbas, Director of BRC, "We hope we'll be able to assess the impact soon, as we are all deeply concerned about the safety of the bears in these unprecedented floods."

WSPA and BRC are working closely together to monitor the situation, and we will update you as soon as we find out more.

Now more than ever, the completion of our new Balkasar sanctuary is essential. Find out more about how you can help make this happen.

Thursday July 1 2010

WSPA is making progress in our fight to end bear baiting and we'll be updating you on some recent successes over the next few weeks. However, we know there are many more bears still being used in bear baiting events in Pakistan and our Kund Park sanctuary is almost full.

These bears don't deserve such suffering. We need a secure place for them to live so we can begin rescuing them. That's why Bricks for Bears is so important.

So far we've raised just 14% of the total amount needed to finish the sanctuary and care for the rescued bears. We urgently need to raise the full amount.

The best way for you to help is to buy one or more bricks for our virtual sanctuary wall. But now there are even more ways that you can help save these bears from suffering:

1. Tell everyone you know that you're supporting Bricks for Bears!
On Twitter, on Facebook, on You Tube, on your blog, on your website or by email - with our new spread the word page, it's so easy to let friends and family know and encourage them to buy bricks too.

2. Invite your workplace to match your donation dollar for dollar (or brick for brick). Or if you own a business, why not buy a corporate plaque?

3. You can even hold your own fundraising event.

4. Or why not purchase a brick on behalf of a loved one?

We hope these great new ways for you to support Bricks for Bears will help us reach the $500,000 we so desperately need.

Please do all that you can. It's only with your help that we can finish the new sanctuary, provide long-term care for rescued bears and continue our education and alternative livelihood programmes to ensure an end to bear baiting - for good.

Thursday June 10 2010

It's hard to imagine how something like bear baiting ever came into existence and it's even harder to accept that it still takes place today.  But unfortunately, bear baiting is not yet ancient history.

The cruel practice originated in England hundreds of years ago. From the sixteenth century, herds of bears were maintained for use in bear baiting events. These took place in 'bear gardens' where the bear was usually tied to a post but was sometimes let loose.

Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are both supposed to have been fans of the 'sport' and regularly attended events in London. It was not until 1835 that attempts to end the practice were successful and the Cruelty to Animals act was passed.

Sadly, the bears of Pakistan are still in need of protection from this type of cruelty. Despite being illegal in Pakistan, bear baiting events continue.

But we are making progress. Since 2001, together with our member society the Bioresource Research Centre, we have rescued over 40 bears and have been able to stop 80% of fights from taking place.

Using the Koran as a mandate for the humane treatment of animals, we're actively petitioning Pakistan's Federal Sharia Court to declare bear baiting forbidden under Islamic law. We're educating the public through raising awareness in mosques and at infotainment events. And we've developed an alternative livelihood program to enable a sustainable end to the bear-owning tradition.

But to continue our work we need your help. Brick by brick we need to build a new sanctuary to home the bears that still need to be rescued and to give them the long-term care they will need.

By buying a brick and helping to spread the word, you can help us to make bear baiting a thing of the past.

Thursday June 3 2010

Star, an Asiatic black bear from the Rajanpur District in Punjab, was poached from the wild as a cub seven years ago. Recently, WSPA's local partner Bioresource Research Centre was alerted to his presence and quickly stepped in.

Star's owner was persuaded to give him up and this beautiful bear was immediately transported to our Kund Park sanctuary. To make the eight hour journey Star was placed in a cage on the back of a truck and to ensure the trip was as comfortable as possible he was given food and plenty of water.

Because Star was the only source of income for his owner, he had been made to fight in numerous bear baiting events, facing three rounds of attacks by trained fighting dogs each time. He had terrible injuries to his muzzle and around his eyes and was underweight and malnourished.

But Star is now recovering well. Still in quarantine, he has received a thorough health check. His new diet contains a large amount of food that he would forage for in the wild, like nuts, fruit and eggs.

With such excellent care he is regaining strength and confidence and will soon be able to be released into the sanctuary proper to roam peacefully in natural surroundings. "Star has a very good chance of recovery and will hopefully enjoy the rest of his life here," says Dr Fakhar-i-Abbas, a veterinarian at Kund Park.

If Star had not been rescued, his pain and trauma would have continued until he died from his injuries. But after staring death in the face day after day, the future now looks bright for him. He has a good chance of a full recovery, the horror of his bear baiting days finally behind him.

To rescue more bears like Star we need to build and run a new sanctuary - Kund Park is now full. Buy a brick today and help make our virtual sanctuary a reality.

And please help spread the word by telling your family and friends about Bricks for Bears.

Kosar Hanif, The Bioresource Research Centre (BRC)

Wednesday, May 26 2010

For Kosar Hanif working to rescue bears from the cruelty of bear baiting is a lifelong passion. Growing up in Pakistan, it was not uncommon to see bears restrained with ropes in the streets, their muzzle pierced, being used for entertainment. It was so disturbing to see their pain and suffering that Kosar dedicated her life to the humane treatment of animals.

As Director of Operations at WSPA's member society BRC, Kosar's daily work includes overseeing the proper management of the bear's food, health, and treatments at Kund Park with the local sanctuary manager. She also coordinates other areas of field work that are crucial to the success of the program.

She explains: "We've adopted a multi-pronged approach to eradicating bear baiting events through projects like monitoring, networking, alternative livelihood, religious awareness and enforcement. Through all these efforts our great hope is the complete eradication of bear baiting."

One of Kosar's most powerful and symbolic tasks is the removal of the metal nose ring that pierces the bear's muzzle. This marks the start of a new life for the bears before they slowly regain strength and return to health.

Each bear holds a special significance for Kosar. But their stories are often sad. Some bears have a weak immune system caused by their past years of suffering and succumb to parasitic diseases as a result. Others have lost their vision and need to learn to live in complete darkness.

WSPA needs your support to rescue the remaining bears used in bear baiting events. The clock is ticking as these bears wait for their next fight. Buy your bricks today to help the Bricks for Bears virtual sanctuary become a real survival story.

Wednesday, May 19 2010

There are no winners in bear baiting events, just suffering for the animals that are forced to fight each other. WSPA is no less concerned for the plight of the dogs used in the events, than the bears that we actively rescue. WSPA believes that by stopping bear baiting events, through the removal of bears, the breeding of the dogs specifically used to attack bears will also end.

Cross-breed terriers are the dogs usually used in bear baiting events. These dogs are known for their fighting abilities, ferocious and aggressive tendencies, and muscular builds. It is most common that only male dogs are used for the bear baiting events.

Usually in an event, a pair of dogs is set upon a bear that is significantly disadvantaged. Tethered to a rope of between 3-5m in length, the bear will have had its sharp teeth blunted and claws removed. The only way for the bear to protect itself is to rear up on its hind legs and thrash at the bears with its paws, or cower with its head in-between its forepaws, leaving the dogs to attack its sensitive ears.

For a victory to be announced the bear must be torn down and rolled by the dogs. If the bear defends well, the dog owner may call it a day to avoid further injury to the dogs, but usually another pair of dogs will be sent into the arena to further weaken the bear, leading to its inevitable loss. Neither the dogs nor the bears have adequate treatment for their wounds and often blood is simply washed off with dirty water before the next fight.

WSPA is working to end this cruelty throughout Pakistan. You can help us rescue the remaining bears - buy a virtual brick for our online sanctuary today and help us make it a reality.

Wednesday, May 12 2010

Did you know that in the wild Asiatic bears walk in procession from largest to smallest? And did you know that they sometimes build nests balanced high in trees for resting?

When WSPA rescues a bear that has been used in bear baiting it is easy to forget that each one once belonged in the wild. With horrific physical injuries and psychological effects that may last for the rest of their lives, the sad truth is that these bears have also forgotten the wilderness from where they came.

The lucky bears that remain in the wild spend their days foraging for food, digging and climbing. They communicate with each other, showing pleasure and identifying threats or greetings through a variety of guttural sounds.

Most Asiatic bears do not hibernate during the winter. Many move to warmer climates to avoid the extreme cold, but pregnant bears nearly all hibernate for some period during the approximately 220 day gestation period of their young. Bears will produce between 1-4 cubs with each pregnancy and the life expectancy of the bear in the wild is around 25 years.

Then there are the bears that WSPA rescue. Their life expectancy is greatly reduced, they are malnourished, their claws have been blunted and their sharp teeth removed. Cruel captivity and the brutality of bear baiting events means they are confused and depressed.

WSPA needs your help to rescue and build a safe refuge for the remaining bears still used in bear baiting events in Pakistan. Be part of our virtual sanctuary by buying your bricks today and help put a stop to bear baiting.

Monday, May 10 2010

We've just broken through $50,000 thanks to your help! This is a great milestone for the campaign but we still have a long way to go.

 
Our ambassador, Collingwood Captain Nick Maxwell has ensured his colleagues, family and friends are 100% behind the cause and he is encouraging them to buy bricks for our virtual wall.  With a passion for wild animals, he says: 'I want to do everything I can to help WSPA rescue and care for these bears.'

WSPA estimates about 70 bears are still regularly used in bear baiting events across Pakistan. We just want to bring them home to our sanctuary, and until it's built we cannot continue our fight against this blood sport.

The facts are cruel and we just can't wait any longer. Every bear that we rescue has never experienced life in the wild; they are poached as cubs and stolen from their natural habitat and families. If that is not enough trauma, their teeth are removed, their claws blunted and their sensitive muzzle is pierced by a nose-ring or rope and this is all before the spectacle even begins.

Bears are then tethered to a central post in the middle of a crowded stadium. Egged on by the spectators, up to four specially bred dogs set upon the bear. This can happen up to seven times a day during a single bear baiting event.  As Nick reminds us: 'It isn't sport. It's animal cruelty.'

Act fast and invite your colleagues, family and friends to get involved by purchasing and personalising their own bricks.

Let's make the $500,000 target as soon as we can, the bears are counting on us. 

Friday, May 7 2010

National Geographic Channel is the latest organisation to throw its support behind Bricks for Bears. The channel will be helping raise awareness of the campaign by featuring our TV commercial from tonight.

We're hopeful this additional publicity will push our total above and beyond the $50,000 mark, which is so very close at the moment.

Our ultimate target is to raise $500,000 to help end the cruelty of bear baiting. As our ambassador Nick Maxwell says, it's a great goal, but we can't reach it without your help.

Each virtual brick you buy will help make our online sanctuary - and the long term care of the bears currently forced to take part in bear baiting - a reality.

Please help us spread the word and tell your family and friends to watch out for the commercials on National Geographic Channel.

Monday, May 3 2010

Federation Square in Melbourne is helping WSPA to spread the word about Bricks for Bears. Shoppers, diners, drinkers, theatre goers and anyone passing through the CBD will be able to see the television commercial for the campaign from 8pm every night in the Square.

The commercial features WSPA ambassador, Collingwood Club Captain, Nick Maxwell. Nick's goal is to help WSPA raise the $500,000 needed to help end the cruelty of bear baiting in Pakistan. He says: 'I need your help to build a safe place, a sanctuary for the innocent victims of bear baiting.'

If you're in Melbourne, head to the Square to check it out and find out more!
Remember, each virtual brick you buy costs just $10, but with your donation we can make our online sanctuary - and the long term care of the bears currently still being forced to fight - a reality.

Friday, April 23 2010

To put a stop to bear baiting events in Pakistan takes more than just the confiscation of bears. Public awareness and a zero-tolerance enforcement policy must take place across the community. The root of the bear baiting issue lies within cultural acceptance of this cruel sport. Eradicated from the sporting menu of most cultures, bear baiting still provides entertainment for isolated groups within Pakistan.

Using the Koran as a mandate for the humane treatment of animals, WSPA are actively petitioning Pakistan's Federal Sharia Court to declare the act of bear baiting as 'haraam' or forbidden under Islamic law. WSPA have also implemented a media campaign to ensure public awareness and raise support to ban all bear baiting events within Pakistan.

WSPA are also working closely with local wildlife authorities, implementing monitoring teams around the country. Using this information, WSPA have been able to stop 80% of bear baiting events from occurring each year. The monitoring teams are confident that within the 59 districts of the Punjab region, close to 100% of proposed bear baiting events are detected and challenged.

Forging relationships with senior enforcement personnel and key judiciary figures, WSPA are working towards a zero-tolerance approach to bear baiting. At present, legal loopholes in the judicial system have meant that the filing of law-suits and the enforcement of penalties is not always successful. WSPA are continuing to advise and consult to ensure these weaknesses in the current wildlife legislation are amended.

Friday, April 16 2010

Providing a sanctuary for the estimated 70 bears still used in bear baiting events in Pakistan, is a large part of the WSPA Bricks for Bears campaign. Once rescued, the bears require emergency medical treatment as well as a planned management program that will help bears return to adequate health, allowing them to live in a semi-captive environment. This is what WSPA will provide at Balkasar, our second bear sanctuary in Pakistan.

WSPA is often asked, why rescued bears can't return to the wild. Unfortunately, the bears are scarred and traumatised from the baiting events and their poor living conditions. The scars are both physical and psychological, they simply do not know how to behave as bears in the wild, they are unable to forage, dig, or defend themselves.

Balkasar will provide a safe place for the rescued bears for the rest of their lives. The sanctuary is situated approximately 30 minutes drive from its sister sanctuary Kund Park, and will cover 87,000m2. Containing multiple bear pens for initial treatment, fully equipped surgery, clinic, offices and staff quarters, Balkasar will also have three large enclosures containing pools, dens for shade and large climbing structures.

The costs involved in building the Balkasar sanctuary are substantial. Some of the biggest ticket items include adequate chain-link fencing, the construction of pools and dens, treatment rooms and surgery including state of the art lighting and heating / cooling facilities.

WSPA needs your help to build Balkasar so that we can rescue the remaining bears used in bear baiting events. They need a home and sanctuary to be cared for and live out their lives with the respect that they deserve.

Be part of the solution and put an end to bear baiting by helping us build our virtual sanctuary brick by brick.

Thanks from all the WSPA team.

Wednesday, April 14 2010

Havaianas Australia is one of the latest names to get behind WSPA's Bricks for Bears campaign by buying a plaque for our virtual sanctuary wall.

Through their donation, the makers of the essential summer style accessory have brought us closer to our campaign goal of $500,000. Their support, along with that of the hundreds of Australians who have donated so far, will make it possible for WSPA to help end the cruelty of bear baiting in Pakistan.

Amelia Maribondo-Aspden from Havaianas says: 'We're so happy to be able to help WSPA's Bricks for Bears. It's a fantastic campaign and it's so easy and so fun for everyone to support it. The virtual sanctuary is brilliant and we hope this can be made into a reality very soon.'

Each virtual plaque or brick that is bought by organisations and individuals will help WSPA to build and run a new sanctuary for bears currently forced to fight in bear baiting events.

If you haven't already, please support Bricks for Bears today!

Tuesday, April 13 2010

To end bear baiting in Pakistan, WSPA needs to offer attractive and viable alternative sources of income for bear owners.

Our goal is to stop bear baiting by offering long-term solutions to bear owners that will entice them to voluntarily give up their bears. This is the best-case scenario for both the bear and owner; the bear receiving immediate treatment and the owner avoiding enforcement.

In the past WSPA has confiscated bears and then discovered bear owners have simply replaced them, inadvertently continuing the illegal bear trade.
The problem is that bear owners view their trade and position with esteem. They are highly regarded and potentially earn between $40-$60 per event, approximately two to three times the national minimum monthly wage for an unskilled worker in Pakistan.

The solution must provide both income and respect for the bear owner and his family. By careful research WSPA offers tailored business solutions for each owner, appealing to the family's combined skills and interest. Household ware shops, grocery stores and other small kiosk type businesses have been set up for bear owners.

Better than a cash hand out in return for the bears, WSPA is involved with bear owners and their families for the long term; we build them a business, train them in business skills and management, monitoring their ongoing progress from year to year.

WSPA recognises that bear owners are people caught up in tradition and circumstances. The lack of education and sustainable alternatives perpetuates the bear baiting industry. Offering alternative incomes is a way that WSPA can ensure very high success, halting the bear trade at its roots. No demand for new bears simply means the end of bear trading.

You can become part of this sustainable solution for the bears of Pakistan by purchasing a brick for our virtual wall.

Tuesday, April 6 2010

Jugno is enjoying his 5th year in WSPA's Kund Park sanctuary. He is an adult Asiatic black bear and was rescued from Hyderabad on the 26th November 2006.
Jugno was fortunate to have escaped the fate of many of the bears that WSPA rescues. He was overall in fairly good health. His weight at 170kg was considered to be within the normal range for an adult male black bear, and his fur was in good condition with no serious wounds or injuries. He did however require treatment for the wounds on his muzzle due to the metal ring and rope used as a tether.

Jugno was released from our quarantine facility and into the main enclosure only to encounter Rustum, our dominant bear during this time. Rustum established dominance over Jugno which caused him to lose significant weight over a number of weeks. It was enough of a concern that staff had to lure Jugno back into quarantine for additional care so that he could regain weight. On Jugno's return to the main enclosure, he challenged Rustum continually until he became the dominant male bear.

Bears establish a natural order of dominance in the wild, and WSPA see as part of the success of the sanctuary that the bears develop natural habits and behaviours.  At Kund Park, we have seen complex social interactions, foraging and even the constructions of large dens. These are signs that the bears are content and happy in their new surrounds.

Jugno spends his days foraging and bathing in the pool, which he shares with his neighbour Roshni. He has also built himself a large den which staff at the sanctuary have been delighted to see.

There are other bears in Pakistan still forced to fight in bear baiting events. WSPA are actively stopping them by offering replacement entertainment at events, establishing alternative livelihoods for bear owners, and education through local communities. But to rescue more bears we need to build them a sanctuary.

Buy a brick today for our virtual wall and together we can make bear baiting extinct.

Friday, April 1 2010

As we reach our first milestone, WSPA ambassador Nick Maxwell is calling on footy lovers and animal lovers to keep up the good work for Bricks for Bears.

We have reached our first goal of $25,000 - well done and thanks for your support!

We do however have a long way to go.  There are 70 bears in Pakistan that are being forced to 'fight' in bear baiting events - we can't rescue them until we have somewhere to put them.

We desperately need to get to our $500,000 goal so these bears can begin a better life. Every day that passes is another day of misery for them.

Please spread the word to everyone you know - www.bricksforbears.org.au.

It's a great goal - but I can't kick it without your help!

Thank you once again,

Nick Maxwell 

Setting goals on and off the field

Wednesday, March 31 2010

Defeating the Western Bulldogs in the first match of the season had the Pies flying high on the weekend. 'It's great to get a good start, it builds the team and player's confidence,' Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell said to WSPA staff today.

In his role as ambassador for WSPA, Nick is passionate about Bricks for Bears. When speaking about the campaign today he said: 'It just shocked and horrified me, I could not believe that sort of stuff still happens, they (the bears) live in horrific conditions and they don't even get treatment for their injuries, it makes me sick just thinking about it.'

For Nick it's more than just raising money, it's also about raising awareness of the bear baiting industry in Pakistan and how we need to come together as a team to support WSPA to stamp out the bear baiting events and rescue the remaining bears.

Calling on the Pies for support Nick said: 'If you are passionate about animals and animal welfare just buy a brick, there are over 50,000 members at Collingwood, if they all bought one brick we would have the money we need.'

Checking the progress of the Bricks for Bears virtual wall at least once a day, Nick's immediate goal is to see the $500K target met soon by AFL supporters and animal lovers alike. There are some things that are just not worth taking sides over and this is one of them.

Speaking to WSPA staff today, Nick said: 'It's a really good cause and something we really have to do quickly to make a change for these animals.'

Buy a brick today to help Nick Maxwell and WSPA make our virtual bear sanctuary a reality.

Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach

Wednesday, March 31 2010

WSPA staff are dedicated to the one cause; the protection of animals on a global scale. Our Wildlife Veterinary Programmes Manager, Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach works at the coal-face of this mission, treating rescued animals and aiding them in their recovery.

Dr Schmidt-Burbach's work with bears has spanned the last decade with a large amount of time being spent in Pakistan, stamping out the sport of bear-baiting.  The massive reduction of bear-baiting events through re-education measures, alternative livelihoods for bear owners, and religious instruction from the Koran which actively discourages animal cruelty, has ensured that the number of bears now fighting in events is far less than a decade ago.

Dr Schmidt-Burbach has been a major participant in the development of WSPA's Kund Park sanctuary which is home to 22 Asiatic black and brown bears. He has overseen the development of a new clinic including: preparation and operating tables, air conditioning and heating units, new surgical lights, and a device for monitoring the bears' oxygen levels while they are under anaesthesia.

The bears are brought to the Kund Park sanctuary suffering life-threatening conditions, from infected injuries, malnutrition and compromised immune systems. It takes time to treat the bears before they are able to be released to the main compound to interact with the other bears. Dr Schmidt-Burbach says, 'I think for me, the favourite bit is seeing a bear recovering and starting to behave naturally again after treatment. Seeing the first independent steps of a bear after being rescued is exceptional.'

Dr Schmidt-Burbach is excited about the Bricks for Bears campaign as he sees first-hand the work that the campaign will enable. Here at WSPA we estimate that about 70 bears are still used in events throughout Pakistan. Building our virtual sanctuary will mean that we can continue our work to rescue the remaining bears.

Buy a brick today to help WSPA continue our work in Pakistan.

Monday, March 29 2010

The rescue of Roshni by WSPA member society the Bio-resource Research Centre, in January last year was one of WSPA's most traumatic rescues to date. Roshni, a male Asiatic Black Bear was kept in appalling conditions and belonged to a nomadic family. He had been owned by the family for only a year and had already endured between 30-40 bear baiting events.

Roshni had experienced terrible living conditions and was malnourished when rescued. His injuries were extensive from many untreated dog bites around his ears and muzzle. He also had been tethered with an oversized metal ring, which had been pierced through his muzzle four times.

WSPA believe Roshni endured up to six bear baiting sessions each day during an event, where he was tethered to a post and was unable to defend himself against up to four specially trained attack dogs. When Roshni came to WSPA's Kund Park sanctuary, he was disorientated and inactive due to his previously cramped and inhumane surroundings.

After significant treatment, Roshni was released into our quarantine enclosure for a period to maintain his wellbeing and stabilise his weight gain. WSPA staff have been delighted to see, soon after his release into our main enclosure that Roshni has begun to forage for food, climb and dig. He also enjoys bathing on hot days with his neighbour Jugno. To see Roshni behaving like a wild bear gives WSPA staff a huge sense of satisfaction.

WSPA needs your help so that we can continue to rescue bears like Roshni and give them back a little wild life. 

Buy a brick today for our virtual wall and together we can build a safe future for these bears.

Wednesday, March 24 2010

Lailah is a female, adult, Brown bear. She was rescued in September of 2008 from Muzaffergarh in Punjab province. Lailah was subjected to some of the most terrible conditions WSPA has seen. She was blinded in both eyes, her muzzle was severely mutilated, her fur was rough, and she was malnourished.

She now lives at WSPA's Kund Park sanctuary in our quarantine enclosure. Due to her blindness, she is unable to defend herself in our larger enclosure. She is quiet and loves to bathe on hot days in the pool; she prefers not to interact much with the other bears.

Lailah was taken from the wild as a cub; her muzzle was pierced with a thick rope, her claws were extracted and her sharp teeth were removed. Before we rescued her, she was regularly forced to fight in bear baiting events where she was attacked by up to four dogs at a time, up to seven times a day.

The injuries to Lailah are lifelong; she can no longer see and her mutilated muzzle means that she can't enjoy foraging her natural surrounding as bears do in the wild. Her withdrawn behaviour is not unusual; we often see this among animals that have endured such treatment.

There are many bears still needing to be rescued by WSPA in Pakistan, the story of Lailah is but one. Please buy a brick for our virtual sanctuary today and help Lailah's friends come to a safe home. 

Let's get the this virtual sanctuary built so we can make it a reality for Lailah's friends.

Sanctuary where the rivers meet

The current WSPA sanctuary, Kund Park, is located where the Indus and Kabul rivers meet, between Punjab and the North-West Frontier Province in Pakistan. Meaning lake in Hindi, the sanctuary is home to 27 bears that have been rescued from the sport of bear baiting.

A collaboration of WSPA and the Bioresource Research Centre (BRC), this sanctuary enables rescued bears to achieve improved health and well-being through an intensive care program, an emergency clinic and the natural surroundings it provides.

Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach WSPA's Wildlife Veterinary Programmes Manager, has helped many bears to integrate into the Kund Park sanctuary. 'We give them veterinary care to treat fight-inflicted infected wounds and various other diseases from which they tend to suffer because their immune system is so weak,' he says.  'After their initial treatment, the bears spend a number of weeks in quarantine as they regain strength and then slowly integrate with other bears in the larger compound.'

Regaining a sense of natural behaviour, the bears learn to forage for food, play and interact in an atmosphere that resembles their wild habitat as closely as possible. Due to the long-term trauma, mutilation of the bear's muzzle and extraction of its teeth and claws, it's not possible for them to ever be returned to the wild.

But the Kund Park sanctuary is now at capacity, placing the continuing work of WSPA in Pakistan at risk. We simply are unable to continue rescuing bears with no adequate place to house them.

That's why we've launched the Bricks for Bears campaign. Every donation will enable WSPA to continue our work in Pakistan; to build a new sanctuary and provide ongoing care for the bears. 'Some people believe that it takes millions of dollars to help animals in need, but smaller amounts can make a big difference too,' says Dr Schmidt-Burbach.

Donate to Bricks for Bears today: buy a brick.

Saturday, March 20 2010

Melbourne artist Samantha Jones donated her time and her talent last week to create the launch mural for WSPA's Bricks for Bears campaign.

Unveiling the mural on Thursday, Nick Maxwell called on AFL fans and animal lovers alike to help reach the $500,000 goal needed to help rescue and house the remaining bears used for bear baiting events in Pakistan. 

The mural itself is enormous showing a larger than life bear. The effect of street art is unique; the gallery becomes your everyday space and as Sam reflects: 'the art is entirely yours for that moment'.

Born in Canada, Sam has an affinity with bears, it's a natural extension for her to support WSPA's Bricks for Bears campaign: 'It's affected me a lot, and made me realise how complacent we can become, just because it is not in the media all the time.'

Sam loves getting online and viewing our virtual wall. It's great to see animal lovers donating from all over Australia. Donating some bricks herself, Sam said: 'it is quite addictive to watch the wall grow'.

There are so many bears that still need to be rescued and it's a matter of raising the funds to do so. The sanctuary is a key part of the solution, however finding alternative incomes for bear baiters whose livelihoods have depended on the bears is also essential.
 
Sam hopes that the mural will help people to visualise the impact of bear baiting and get them onboard with the campaign. It's all about working together and skill sharing to help educate and make change.

You can visit the mural now at the historic home of the Collingwood Football Club at Victoria Park.

On behalf of the bears, thanks Sam.

Sam Jones is a founding member and of the Per Square Metre Studio Collective and Gallery. You can see more examples of Sam's work here and check out Per Square Metre here.

Thursday, March 19 2010

WSPA wants to say a big thank you to everyone who has been part of the launch of Bricks for Bears today. It's been a fantastic day!

Our ambassador Nick Maxwell has spoken to the media to raise awareness of our $500,000 target to help end the cruelty of bear baiting. You can read what Nick said to the Herald Sun here.

There was an amazing photo of Nick in front of our Bricks for Bears mural in the Herald Sun newspaper. Here you can see Nick with Melbourne artist Sam Jones who created the mural.

WSPA's Dr Jan Schmidt Burbach has also been on hand all day - to answer questions and to explain our holistic approach to ensuring a sustainable end to bear baiting.

Each one of the bricks added to our virtual sanctuary wall brings us one step closer to making the sanctuary a reality in Pakistan, helping WSPA to rescue and care for the bears.

In just one day we've raised over $5,000 to help achieve this aim, but we still have a long way to go. If you're yet to buy a brick, please buy one now.  Once you have, please help us spread the word through your friends and family.

Together we can create a safe and happy future for the bears.

More news and photos to come soon…

Friday 10 June 2011

Some news we just couldn't wait to share with you...

Remember Bhoori? It was just three months ago that together with our partners, the BRC, we were able to rescue her from the cruelty of bear baiting - the ring which pierced her nose proof of the years of suffering she endured.

But now, thanks to your support of Bricks for Bears, we're pleased to report that Bhoori is settling in very well in her new home at Balkasar Sanctuary. After spending time recovering and receiving expert care in quarantine, Bhoori is finally learning to become a bear again in the open spaces of the Sanctuary. We've been told she was a bit shy at first, but now she is really enjoying the pools, and the lush green herbs and grasses.

Thank you for helping us to make this possible. With your continued support, this is the kind of life we hope to provide for the around 70 bears still trapped in the cruelty of bear baiting.

We just had to share this amazing first update with you, but more news about Bhoori and the other bears is coming, so make sure you keep an eye out on our Facebook page.

'I'm Nick Maxwell, Captain of Collingwood Football Club. I play sport because I want to. But the bears of Pakistan that are forced to take part in bear baiting are not so lucky.

'As an ambassador for WSPA I'm speaking out against the cruelty of bear baiting. Because it isn't sport. It's animal cruelty.

'I'm supporting the Bricks for Bears campaign. Our goal is to help build a and run sanctuary, a safe place for the bears that will be rescued from the cruelty of bear baiting. I'm confident that together we can reach it.'

Watch the Bricks for Bears TVC featuring Nick now.