Wellington Zoo's Big Bite 2 benefits bears around the world

Wellington Zoo's Big Bite 2 benefits bears around the world

In early March Wellington Zoo held its second Big Bite fundraising event. The night was a great success, raising more than $4,000 for Free the Bears Asia through a money-can't-buy auction as well as $30,000 to help build the ASB Malayan Sun Bear exhibit at the Zoo. The new exhibit will be home to Sean and Sasa - the Zoo's sun bears.

Brendon Veale, Fundraising Manager at the Zoo explains; "As well as raising money for our own sun bears here at the Zoo, it was great to be able to support our friends at Free the Bears with the important work that they are doing. It really highlights the role that zoos can play in raising awareness and funds for species that are in trouble in the wild"

Part of Wellington Zoo's sponsorship arrangement with Arataki Honey means that Arataki raises funds for Free the Bears at its visitor centre in Havelock North throughout the year.

"We are delighted to contribute to the donation Wellington Zoo is giving to Free the Bears. We have a special exhibition in our visitor centre about the Wellington Zoo sun bears and ask our visitors to give donations to help bears in the wild through Free the Bears," says Pam Flack, Arataki Honey Director.

Together with sponsor Arataki Honey, Wellington Zoo has worked for many years to raise funds to support the work of Free the Bears Asia through its Conservation Fund. The Zoo also raises awareness of the issues that bears face in the wild in Asia.

Sean was rescued from a restaurant in Cambodia by Free the Bears Asia and the Zoo was delighted to be able to auction a trip to one of Free the Bear's sanctuaries to raise money to support them - thanks to the generous sponsorship of House of Travel.

You can help us to continue to support Free the Bears Asia by donating online. Simply write 'Conservation Fund' in the special instructions box.

About Free the Bears Asia
Free the Bears Asia is a conservation and animal welfare organisation founded by Mary Hutton of Perth, WA.

The aim of Free the Bears is to protect, preserve and enrich the lives of bears throughout the world.

With community support Free the Bears Asia has rescued over 700 bears since its inception in 1995 and plans to rescue many hundreds more. Free the Bears Asia has been instrumental in supporting local governments to draft and enforce legislation that will make it possible to end the cruel and unsustainable practices associated with the illegal wildlife trade.

Free the Bears Asia understands that without the goodwill of local communities living in close proximity to wild bears it will not be possible to preserve bears in the wild. Free the Bears Asia provides assistance to these communities, helping to lift them out of poverty and develop alternative livelihoods that do not adversely affect bears and other wildlife.

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