Judi Dench Advocates for Compassion to End Bear Bile Farming and Save Final Bears
In an exclusive interview, Dame Judi Dench has expressed her profound horror at the conditions on bear bile farms, making an impassioned plea for the release of the final 150 bears still trapped in this brutal trade. The lifelong animal lover, who grew up with numerous pets in York, described the suffering as "difficult to comprehend," urging the public to support rescue efforts through understanding and dignity.
The Shocking Reality of Bear Bile Farms
Dench revealed that learning about bear bile farms left her deeply disturbed. Bears are immobilised in tiny cages, unable to turn around, and kept in a constant state of hunger and thirst to enhance the potency of their bile, which is extracted for use in traditional medicine. This practice represents cruelty on a massive scale, yet Dench emphasised that there is hope through collaborative efforts.
Thanks to the work of Animals Asia, the Vietnamese government, traditional medicine practitioners, and local communities, bear farming has been made illegal in Vietnam. This achievement was not born of shaming or division but through compassion, respecting farmers who historically depended on this trade for their livelihoods.
A Personal Connection: Finty the Bear
Dench has a personal stake in this cause as the guardian of a bear named Finty, rescued by Animals Asia from a bile farm. Finty, named after Dench's daughter, actress Finty Williams, now lives in a sanctuary where she experiences grass, companionship with other bears like Barack, and play for the first time. Before rescue, she endured constant darkness, pain, and deprivation, but today, she enjoys a peaceful life, symbolising the potential for change.
However, 150 bears remain in captivity, sick and suffering in tiny metal cages. Dench stressed that rescuing them requires preparation, including ready sanctuaries, tireless veterinary teams, and persuading farmers to release the bears. She called on the public to care and act, noting that declaring the practice illegal is not enough; the final chapter must involve freeing every last bear.
A Model for Broader Animal Welfare
Dench highlighted that Vietnam's success offers a blueprint for ending other forms of animal cruelty, such as the dog meat trade or captivity in entertainment venues. By involving farmers, traders, and communities as partners in progress, real change can occur without bitterness. She argued that empathy and cooperation can lift everyone up, proving that ending cruelty need not be a divisive battle.
In a world often marked by division, Dench sees this as a story where hope triumphs, and she urges others to join her in making compassion the next narrative. She has joined over 30 celebrities in sending an open letter to the Prime Minister of Vietnam, appealing for the release of the final bile farm bears, and encourages public support through organisations like Animals Asia.
