WITH tens of thousands captured for their bile to be used in Asian medicines – or grabbed as babies to be trained as street performers – wild bears in Asia and India do not have much to look forward to in life.
That improved, though, about 25 years ago when a group of Australians formed charity Free the Bears and set up four sanctuaries in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and India, to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild.
NSW Branch Secretary and Revesby bowler Paul Sillato says his group has now helped almost 1,000 bears but more support is needed.
The group is kicking off their fundraising year with a Comedy for a Cause night at Revesby Workers’ Club on Saturday, February 22, from 7pm, with all interested residents invited along to help make a difference to one of the world’s most threatened species – sun, moon and sloth bears.
“When the bears are rescued, the first thing they need is surgery to have the catheters removed from their stomachs out of which their captors collect their bile to be used in traditional medicines which have long been superseded and no longer acceptable products,” Paul explained.
“Then there’s a few months of rehabilitation where the bears are gradually re-introduced back into the wild but not before their health has been restored.
“By all accounts, the bears are very happy to go home but some will have trauma issues for life.”
Paul said his group was very grateful to the club for not charging a hire fee.
“It will be a great night that’s full of surprises and lots of laughs so we encourage everyone to come along.”
An 18+ show, tickets cost $35 for adults and $20 for students.
Last minute tickets can be bought at the door, but preference is to purchase online prior to the event at comedyforacause.net/BEARS.
