What Free the Bears does

Free the Bears is a Perth-based conservation nonprofit founded in 1995 by Mary Hutton, operating the largest bear sanctuary network in Southeast Asia with five facilities across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The organization's core operations are the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong sanctuary care of sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and moon bears (Asiatic black bears) confiscated from bile farms and the illegal wildlife trade; rescued bears require multi-decade care because most cannot be returned to the wild after formative years in captivity. As of 2026 the network cares for nearly 350 rescued bears plus approximately 50 other wildlife species, with cumulative rescues exceeding 1,000 bears since founding.

The service portfolio is layered: core sanctuary operations (rescue, rehabilitation, lifelong care, research, and wild bear protection) are funded through a diversified revenue stack that includes individual donations, a monthly "Bear Carer" program, named Star Bear sponsorships at AUD$420/year, AUD$3,000/year adoptions, an e-commerce storefront selling virtual gift donations and merchandise ($11–$710 per item) priced across nine currencies, sanctuary tours and week-long volunteer placements, planned-giving/bequests, and corporate contributions channeled through 1% for the Planet membership granted in July 2026. The organization is registered as a charity in both Australia (ACNC, ABN 23 763 253 031) and the UK (Charity Commission, Charity Number 1135682), enabling Gift Aid and supporting institutional trust.

Free the Bears does not develop proprietary technology; its "platform" is the physical sanctuary infrastructure, specialized veterinary and bear-care teams (including proprietary surgical techniques for trauma recovery and sight restoration), and a non-invasive research program that supports an estimated 40% of all completed sun bear PhD research globally. Distribution is hybrid: a global digital donor-acquisition funnel (website, email, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, e-commerce) layered on regional Australian and UK supporter groups, complemented by institutional partnerships with Mandai Wildlife Group, Colchester Zoological Society, National Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Fund, Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife, and Cambodia Forestry Administration. The current CEO is Matt Hunt and Operations Manager Karthiriish Chandra coordinated the largest-ever SE Asia bear farm rescue in May 2026.

Name

Free the Bears

Legal name

Free the Bears Ltd.

Website

https://freethebears.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Free the Bears is a Perth-based conservation nonprofit, founded in 1995, operating the largest bear sanctuary network in Southeast Asia (five sites across Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam) to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide lifelong care for nearly 350 sun and moon bears. It is funded by individual donors, sponsorships, adoptions, e-commerce, corporate partners, and sanctuary tourism.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release (BPAGAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK), Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD), Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation services
• Bear rescue operations
• Animal sanctuary care
• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Conservation nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Perth

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Free the Bears generates revenue primarily through individual donations, monthly recurring donations (Bear Carer program), one-time gifts, and fundraising campaigns. The organization runs specific rescue fundraising campaigns such as the 27 bear rescue appeal requiring $300,000 for sanctuary expansion.
2. Bear Sponsorship and Adoption: Supporters can sponsor named 'Star Bears' for AUD$420 per year (AUD$35/month) or adopt unnamed rescued bears for AUD$3,000/year, receiving certificates, photos, and regular updates. Adoption is positioned as a long-term commitment to cover essential care costs.
3. E-commerce Shop: The organization sells virtual gift products including Cub Care Kits ($25), Bear Hammocks ($71), Medication donations ($36), Enrichment mix ($11), Pots of Honey ($15), Treat Balls ($86), Health Checks ($178), Bathing Pools ($497), and Climbing Towers ($710). Also sells merchandise like bear-face t-shirts.
4. Corporate Partnerships via 1% for the Planet: Through membership in 1% for the Planet, business members commit to giving at least 1% of annual revenue to approved Environmental Partners like Free the Bears, creating a network-based fundraising channel.
5. Sanctuary Tours and Volunteer Programs: Revenue generated through ethical holiday volunteer programs (week-long stays), Bear Care Tours for tourists, and school group tours. Tour proceeds support rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care of rescued bears.
6. Bequests and Wills: The organization accepts bequests and legacy gifts through its planned giving program, allowing supporters to leave gifts in their Will.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Free the Bears is a nonprofit conservation organization that rescues captive bears from bile farms and the illegal wildlife trade, then provides lifelong sanctuary care, veterinary treatment, and rehabilitation across five sanctuaries in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The organization funds this work through individual donations, bear sponsorship and adoption programs, virtual gift donations, merchandise sales, sanctuary tours, and volunteer experiences, supplemented by corporate partnerships.

Product overview

Free the Bears is a conservation charity operating five bear sanctuaries across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, offering a portfolio of experiential, educational, and donation-based programs. The core offering centers on rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong sanctuary care for rescued sun bears and moon bears. Supporting programs include Bear Care Tours, school tours, and volunteer placements at sanctuaries; bear sponsorship and adoption programs providing monthly or annual care commitments; and a Bear Carer monthly giving program. The organization also operates an online shop selling virtual gift donations (Cub Care Kit, Bear Hammock, Medication for Elderly Bear, Enrichment Mix, Pot of Honey, Treat Ball, General Health Check, Bathing Pool, Climbing Tower) and merchandise (bear-face T-shirts), plus a raffle program. Fundraising campaigns such as the 27 Bear Rescue Campaign enable supporters to contribute to specific rescue operations and sanctuary expansion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bear Care Tours Guided tours of bear sanctuaries where visitors meet rescued sun bears and moon bears and help prepare enrichment activities; proceeds directly support bear rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care.
• School Tours Educational programs for school groups visiting sanctuaries, teaching youth about bear conservation, wildlife trade, and welfare.
• Volunteering Program Week-or-longer ethical holiday experiences where volunteers assist with bear care at sanctuaries in Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam.
• Bear Sponsorship Monthly sponsorship of named 'Star Bears' at AUD$35/month or AUD$420/year, including a digital certificate and bi-annual photo updates.
• Bear Adoption Long-term adoption program for unnamed rescued bears where adopters name their bear and contribute AUD$3,000/year to cover care costs, with regular updates and visitation options.
• Bear Carer Monthly Giving Monthly recurring donation program supporting nutritious food, enrichment, veterinary care, sanctuary expansion, wild bear protection, and anti-wildlife-crime initiatives.
• Bear Sanctuaries Five wildlife sanctuaries across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam providing lifelong care for rescued sun bears and moon bears, including Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary (Laos) and Cambodia Bear Sanctuary.
• Bear Rescue Operations Rescue and rehabilitation services for bears from bile farms, illegal wildlife trade, and other exploitation, including emergency response coordination with authorities.
• Bear Rehabilitation Expert veterinary and bear care services for bears recovering from physical and psychological trauma, including surgical techniques and lifelong medical care.
• Bear Research Program Non-invasive sanctuary-based research supporting 40% of all completed sun bear PhD research globally, including custom research dens and conservation studies.
• Wild Bear Protection Field studies, community programs, and law enforcement partnerships protecting wild bear populations and preventing bears from entering the illegal trade.
• 27 Bear Rescue Campaign Urgent fundraising initiative for the largest-ever bear farm rescue in Southeast Asia, seeking $300,000 for sanctuary expansion and $150,000+ per bear for lifetime care.
• Beary Pawsome Raffle Raffle program offering prizes including a $5,000 Flight Centre travel voucher and an exclusive Bear Care Tour for two to the Laos sanctuary.
• Cub Care Kit Virtual gift/donation item providing specialist milk formula, bottles, sterilization solution, towels, and hot water bottles for orphaned bear cubs requiring round-the-clock care; priced at $25 USD.
• Bear Hammock Virtual gift/donation covering materials for volunteer-woven hammocks for rescued bears, with optional e-card dedication; priced at $71 USD.
• Medication for an Elderly Bear Virtual gift/donation providing three months of arthritis medication, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory treatment for elderly rescued bears; priced at $36 USD.
• Enrichment Mix Virtual gift/donation providing enrichment food items to keep bears mentally stimulated and exercising natural foraging behaviors; priced at $11 USD.
• Pot of Honey Virtual gift/donation providing honey treats for rescued bears at the sanctuary; priced at $15 USD.
• Treat Ball Virtual gift/donation providing puzzle feeders and treat balls for bear enrichment activities; priced at $86 USD.
• General Health Check Virtual gift/donation funding veterinary examinations and health assessments for rescued bears; priced at $178 USD.
• Bathing Pool Virtual gift/donation funding construction or maintenance of swimming pools in bear forest enclosures; priced at $497 USD.
• Climbing Tower Virtual gift/donation funding climbing structures, platforms, and towers for bears to exercise natural climbing behaviors; priced at $710 USD.
• Bear-Face T-Shirts Branded apparel merchandise including black bear-face and white/grey bear-face T-shirts, with proceeds supporting bear conservation; priced at $22 USD.

Quantifiable outcome

• Rescued over 1,000 bears since 1993
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• 1% for the PlanetcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 July 2026Free the Bears joined 1% for the Planet as an approved Environmental Partner, connecting conservation work with a global network of businesses committed to supporting people and the planet. Business members commit to giving at least 1% of annual revenue to approved Environmental Partners, delivering meaningful impact for nature and communities. The network acceptance recognizes Free the Bears' 30-year commitment to wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, and community-based impact.
• Colchester Zoological Society Action for the WildmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2026Colchester Zoological Society partnered with Free the Bears to build Bear House 12 at Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary in Laos. The society also organized the 2026 Colchester Zoological Society STEM Design Challenge, engaging 500 students worldwide in designing the new sun bear facility.
• Cambodia Forestry AdministrationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2026Cambodia Forestry Administration partnered with Free the Bears to rescue a sun bear cub being kept illegally as a pet in someone's driveway. The collaboration represents ongoing government-NGO partnership to combat illegal wildlife trade.
• Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife collaborated with Free the Bears on cub rescue operations. During an emergency when three bear cubs disappeared, LCTW's nearby team immediately secured the cubs for Free the Bears, enabling successful rescue and transport to Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary. LCTW also provides care for rescued gibbons.
• Mandai Wildlife Group and Mandai NaturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026Singapore-based Mandai Wildlife Group and its conservation arm Mandai Nature have supported Free the Bears since 2015, providing technical assistance for rescue operations including the 27 moon bear rescue from illegal bile farm in Laos in May 2026. Long-standing partnership focused on wildlife conservation in Southeast Asia.
• Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)coreOthersFree the Bears is registered as a charity under the Australian Charities & Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), ACN: 629120449. Registration provides regulatory oversight and public trust through publicly available charity details, programs, and financial reporting.
• Charity Commission for England and WalescoreOthersFree the Bears is registered under the Charity Commission for England and Wales, Charity Number: 1135682. Registration enables UK donors to use Gift Aid on donations.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): WWF is the largest global wildlife conservation NGO with extensive Asian bear (sun bear, moon bear, sloth bear, Asiatic black bear, giant panda) programs spanning habitat protection, anti-trade work, and policy. Comparable high-level species and geographic focus, but a much broader portfolio rather than a sanctuary operator.
• WildAid: WildAid is a US-based wildlife conservation NGO that runs anti-wildlife-trade campaigns including bear bile and wildlife trafficking work in Asia. Closely adjacent mission to Free the Bears' anti-wildlife-crime and bile-farm advocacy, but focused on campaigns rather than sanctuary operations.
• IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare): IFAW is a global animal welfare and wildlife conservation nonprofit working on wildlife trade, animal rescue, and policy. Operates in similar Asian geographies and donor-supported nonprofit framework, but with portfolio breadth across species and issue areas.
• World Animal Protection: A large global animal welfare NGO active on bear bile farming, wildlife trade, and captive wildlife policy. Overlaps with Free the Bears on bear welfare advocacy and campaign work but operates at a broader species and issue breadth rather than running dedicated bear sanctuaries.

Regional players

• Boonsong Lekagul Wildlife Sanctuary (Bangkok): Operated by the Royal Thai Government, this Thailand-based facility, formerly home to Asiatic black bears rescued from bile farms, parallels Free the Bears' bear sanctuary model but is regionally distinct and government rather than charity operated.
• Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT): WFFT runs a large rescue and wildlife sanctuary in Thailand housing rescued bears, primates, and other wildlife, with visitor tours and volunteer programs. Operates in Southeast Asia with a similar bear rescue/sanctuary model, but serves a different national jurisdiction than Free the Bears.

Direct peers

• FOUR PAWS International: FOUR PAWS is an Austria-based global animal welfare organization that runs bear sanctuaries (e.g., BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz, Belitsa, Prishtina, Kuterevo) with rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care of rescued bears from bile farms and the pet trade. Highly comparable mission, multi-country sanctuary footprint, and donor-driven nonprofit model.
• International Animal Rescue (IAR): International Animal Rescue is a UK/US-registered NGO operating wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers across Southeast Asia, India, and Africa, including bear rescue work. Direct peer in terms of NGO structure, multi-country sanctuary operations, and donor-supported rescue model.
• Animals Asia: Animals Asia is the closest direct peer: founded in 1998 by Jill Robinson, it runs the world's largest moon bear rescue operation (China and Vietnam) rescuing bears from bile farms, with sanctuaries, lifelong care, and advocacy. Like Free the Bears it is a NGO focused on moon bear and bile farm rescue, distinct only by being earlier and China-based.

Others

• Mandai Wildlife Group: Mandai Wildlife Group is the Singapore-based zoo and conservation operator that owns Mandai Nature and has been a Free the Bears strategic partner since 2015. Comparable as a partner/funder in Southeast Asia bear rescue and as a zoo/sanctuary operator with overlapping scientific and conservation mandates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/freethebears
• Facebookfacebook.com/freethebearsfund
• Instagraminstagram.com/freethebears
• TikToktiktok.com/freethebears.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/free-the-bears-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Free the Bears