Singaporean conservationist Karthiriish Chandra coordinated the rescue of 27 moon bears from an illegal bile farm disguised as a zoo in Laos in May 2026 [1, 2]. The facility was run by foreigners and had infrastructure to hold up to 200 bears [1, 2].
The Laotian government shut down the bile farm after the rescue was planned and gave Free the Bears about two weeks to transport the animals. The bears were moved to Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, a 12-hour drive north of the farm [1, 2].
The rescued bears were estimated to be between one and three years old and likely poached from the wild as cubs [1, 2]. Staff reported the animals showed signs of psychological trauma, including pacing and constant head weaving. Chandra said, "There was a lot of pacing and constant head weaving. We poured water when we arrived and they drank it all. They were so thirsty." [1]
Mandai Nature supports Free the Bears by providing sanctuary care and expanding facilities for the rescued bears in Singapore [1, 2]. Chandra has a long background in wildlife work, having volunteered at Singapore's Night Safari from age 13, worked at Jurong Reptile Park, and spent 14 years with Mandai Wildlife Group before joining Free the Bears six months ago [1, 2]. He said he took on the operations manager role at Free the Bears after meeting other NGOs at a wildlife rescue conference in Laos and wanted to "challenge myself, put myself out there." [1]
The large-scale rescue in May marks a significant effort in combating illegal bile farming in Southeast Asia. The next phase involves ongoing care and rehabilitation for the bears at the sanctuary, where staff will work to improve their well-being and prepare them for a better future [1, 2].
