Happy to help raise funds through sponsorship but not exactly looking forward to the experience again, Paul said he would be representing NSW on May 14 in a purpose-built cage which is making its way to him in time for the challenge.
“The cage has been made to replicate the conditions that bears go through when they are being held captive sometimes for 10 or 20 years while they’re drained of their bile for now-illegal Asian medicines,” he said.
“You can barely lie down in the cage and you certainly can’t spread out your arms, not either side or above your head.
“It’s incredibly cramped and uncomfortable and such a challenge to even spend the night in it, let alone live that way, day after day, as some poor bears are made to do.”
Founded 27 years ago, Free the Bears has rescued over 1,000 bears and now built sanctuaries in three countries to rehabilitate them.
“Some poor things never recover and have to be euthanised because of their pain but others eventually bounce back to good health with enough care,” said Paul who is a qualified zookeeper and nurse.
To make a donation, go to freethebears.org, email paul.sillato@health.nsw.gov.au or call 0424 705 778.
Spending ‘Night in a Cage’ to help rescue more bears
REVESBY Workers’ Club dart king Paul Sillato will spend a ‘Night in a Cage’ for the third year running as part of Free the Bears charity’s annual fundraiser after Covid put a stop their comedy night fundraisers two years ago.