Ninh Binh: bear sanctuary attracts foreign tourists

A bear sanctuary in Nho Quan district, the northern province of Ninh Binh has become an attractive destination for tourists, especially foreigners.

A bear cared for at sanctuary (Photo: VNA)
A bear cared for at sanctuary (Photo: VNA)

Since it began operations in March 2019, the sanctuary has welcomed 2,500 visitors, including 2,000 international holiday-makers.

The centre has a total area of 10ha, able to accommodate about 100 bears in a suitable semi-natural habitat.

It has cared for a total of 29 bears which used to be kept in captivity and illegally traded to harvest their bile.

The sanctuary has also organised activities to help raise public awareness of bio-diversity conservation and environmental protection.

This facility is expected to contribute to improving animal welfare, especially for bears, and providing a safe semi-natural habitat for them to recover their natural behaviours, thus helping to end bear bile farming and protect bears in the wild.