Meet the Bears: Armstrong – From Bile Farm Survivor to Sanctuary Star
All proceeds after manufacturing costs go directly to the Animals Asia Foundation.
For more than 20 years, Armstrong knew nothing but cruelty. Likely taken from the wild as a cub, he spent two long decades locked in a barren metal cage on a bear bile farm in Phung Thuong, Vietnam. With no sunlight, no grass beneath his paws, and no freedom, Armstrong’s only companion was Buzz, the bear in the cage beside him.
In October 2023, everything changed. Armstrong and Buzz became the very first residents of Animals Asia’s new sanctuary in Bach Ma National Park—a turning point in their lives, and a milestone for animal welfare in Vietnam.
A Rescue Like No Other
The journey to freedom wasn’t easy. A dedicated rescue team, led by Animals Asia founder Jill Robinson, traveled 725 kilometers to bring Armstrong and Buzz to safety. With gentle coaxing and sweet treats, Armstrong stepped into his transport cage—the first real step toward a life worth living.
From the moment he arrived, Armstrong’s resilience shone through. During quarantine, he curiously explored banana leaves, eagerly sipped fruit smoothies, and showed his carers that even after decades of suffering, his spirit was unbroken.
First Steps Into Freedom
Just weeks later, Armstrong moved into his very own den—a safe, enriched space where he could finally stretch, climb, and play. But the most profound moment came in November 2023, when Armstrong walked onto grass for the first time in over 20 years.
At first cautious, he sniffed the air, hesitated, and gently tested the ground beneath his paws. Day by day, he grew bolder, returning outside to explore a world that was entirely new to him.
Growing Stronger Every Day
Armstrong’s curious, confident nature soon emerged. He delighted in puzzle feeders, leafy vines, and crunchy vegetables that exercised his mind and body while helping to restore the muscle he had lost in captivity.
His first health check revealed high blood pressure and dental issues—reminders of the cruelty he had endured—but his treatment plan, complete with daily medications tucked into syrup and bananas (his favorites), keeps him comfortable and thriving.
Friendship and Healing
One of the most emotional moments of Armstrong’s journey came when he was reunited with Buzz. After living side by side for decades in neighboring cages, the two bears finally shared space together. Their first meeting was filled with gentle play, affectionate “clucking,” and companionship. Today, they wrestle, explore, and rest together—true friends who survived the darkest of days and now share the light of freedom.
A Future Filled with Hope
Now, Armstrong is blossoming into sanctuary life. He forages in the grass, plays with enrichment toys, and gazes at the open sky—experiences he was denied for most of his life. His story is a powerful reminder of why Animals Asia’s work matters: to transform lives of suffering into lives of safety, peace, and joy.
By purchasing this Meet the Bears: Armstrong item, you are directly supporting that mission. Every dollar after manufacturing costs goes to Animals Asia, helping them rescue more bears, expand sanctuary space, and work with governments, schools, and communities across Asia to replace cruelty with compassion.
Together, through empathy, negotiation, education, and investigation, Animals Asia is building a kinder world—one rescued bear at a time.
✨ Armstrong’s journey from a dark cage to open skies is proof that hope and healing are possible. By supporting this product, you’re helping write the next chapter of freedom for countless more animals.
Meet the perfect gift for any holiday, birthday, or special occasion, the teddy bear with its own t-shirt. Available in an adorable size of 7″ by 10″, the teddy bear comes with a cute bow, super soft synthetic fur, and 100% polyester fiber filling for maximum huggability. All your designs, names, and photos go on the t-shirt in pristine detail and vivid colors.
.: Material: 100% polyester
.: One size: 7″ x 10″ (17.8 x 25.4 cm)
.: Comes with a black bow tie
.: Sewn in label
.: Handwash only (the shirt)
