Tuffy is a black bear from Vietnam who has lived most of his life in the most inhospitable of environments. They’re also known as moon bears, and they’re commonly used in big bile farms to extract the substance from their abdomen via a painful procedure.
These bears have a lovely white crescent-shaped marking on their breast and are black in hue.
Tuffy was rescued by Animals Asia after many years of belonging to one of these farms and suffering in cramped cages. They took him to the vet when they were able to get him out of there.
Tuffy worked on a bile farm for nine years.
During the initial examination, doctors discovered that his gallbladder was in such horrible shape that it needed to be removed as soon as possible to preserve his life. Tuffy also had major teeth issues and a history of limb injuries.
“Because bears seldom walk on lawns, leg injuries are prevalent on bile farms. They’re usually hanging out in bars. They are particularly prone to dehydration, which has an effect on their legs.”
Tuffy could not have imagined that a new life was about to begin for him once he had fully recovered from the surgery. They relocated him to a lovely retreat where he could enjoy the outdoors and even cool off in the pool on hot days.
The Vietnamese government promised that by 2020, this practice would be fully eradicated.
He was quite glad when he saw everything around him and decided to have a well-deserved and tasty dip. He was so enthralled by walking on the grass that he did not spend a single night in his cave. He would rather sleep under the stars than in a hotel.
“This was a wonderful paradise for him after so much suffering.”
Tuffy swimming and joyously playing with the water is captured in a video. These lovely minutes of serenity and independence are worth gold to the magnificent animal after such a terrible and traumatic life.
“It’s a hit with everyone. He’s a lot of fun to be around, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with him. They’re all vying for your friendship.
Tuffy lived for a year before being transported to a location with 15 other rescued bears once he had fully recovered his strength.
Tuffy rose to become one of the pack’s leaders in the refuge.