Moon Bear Kala Explores Forest After 10 Years Caged on Illegal Laos Farm
Updated
Updated · The Dodo · Aug 20
Moon Bear Kala Explores Forest After 10 Years Caged on Illegal Laos Farm
1 articles · Updated · The Dodo · Aug 20
Summary
More than a year after her rescue, Kala now regularly ventures into the forest with other rescued bears at a sanctuary in Laos.
Nine months passed before the moon bear first stepped outside her den, with rescuers saying trauma from 10 years in a cage left her too frightened to explore.
Free the Bears removed Kala from an illegal farm in early 2025 and brought her to its sanctuary, where she slowly built confidence after initially hiding in her cave.
Rescuers said Kala now reaches deep into her leafy habitat and eats fresh berries from trees, calling the outings a major recovery milestone.