Six rescued bears arrive at Danish safari park after South Korea bans bile farming

Six Asian black bears rescued from bile farming in South Korea have arrived at Knuthenborg Safaripark on Lolland, reports Danish broadcaster DR.

The bears, previously kept in cramped cages for bile extraction used in traditional medicine, were flown to Denmark after South Korea banned bile bear farming this year. The practice had trapped bears in small enclosures since the 1980s.

Upon arrival, the bears were transported in crates by truck and placed in temporary 16–18 sqm enclosures. They will remain there until July to acclimatise before accessing a 23,000 sqm forested habitat with trees, soil, and water.

Jane Trolle, head of the animal department at Knuthenborg, described the moment the bears emerged from their crates as deeply moving after a long process. Park director Christoffer Knuth noted the bears had settled in well and would now build trust with their keepers.

Anne Sofie Meilvang, a biologist and welfare consultant with Dyrenes Beskyttelse, called the relocation a major day for the bears, who had experienced little beyond captivity.

The rescue is part of an international effort involving Dyrenes Beskyttelse, Knuthenborg Safaripark, Bears in Mind, Korea National Park Service, Korean Animal Welfare Association, national authorities, Gurye-gun, and Chungbuk National University.