Meet the Bears: David – From Cruelty to Compassion
All proceeds after manufacturing costs go directly to the Animals Asia Foundation.
David’s story is one of survival, resilience, and love. Likely stolen from the wild as a tiny cub, this sun bear spent his early years locked inside a cage no larger than a cupboard on an illegal bear bile farm in Vietnam. For years, his world was metal bars, darkness, and fear.
Everything changed in 2008 when Animals Asia rescued David, along with three other bears, and brought them to the Tam Dao sanctuary. Though he arrived frightened and scarred by years of cruelty, David soon revealed his true nature: a bright, playful spirit with boundless affection.
A Gentle Soul with a Big Heart
From the beginning, David showed an extraordinary ability to connect—with bears and humans alike. He quickly bonded with Nelson, his lifelong wrestling partner and “brother from another mother.” The two became inseparable, tumbling in play, sharing naps, and reminding everyone what friendship looks like.
But David’s compassion runs even deeper. When new, nervous bears arrived at the sanctuary, David was always the first to welcome them. With patience, gentle reassurance, and often a warm bear hug, he made every newcomer feel safe. As carer Hiep beautifully put it: “David brightens everyone’s day. He helps new bears settle in, just by being his beautiful, sweet self.”
Bravery in the Face of Hardship
In 2022, tragedy struck. David suddenly became lame, and after long deliberation, vets made the difficult decision to amputate his back left leg.
True to his nature, David defied the odds. Within eight weeks, he was back on his paws—and back to wrestling with Nelson. His resilience and joy left his carers astonished. Despite his disability, David’s determination and zest for life proved stronger than any hardship.
David Today: A Life of Joy
Now, David enjoys the slower, sweeter things in life. He loves nest building, carefully arranging leaves, straw, and browse to create his perfect den. Though he sometimes huffs when things don’t go his way, he always ends up content, curling into his cozy sanctuary for a sunlit snooze.
David is still as playful as ever—chasing friends like Mr. Dave, snuggling with Dorle, and following his crush, Angel, with wide-eyed devotion. His carers ensure his reduced mobility never stops him from enjoying life to the fullest.
Why This Item Matters
By purchasing this Meet the Bears: David item, you’re helping Animals Asia continue their life-saving work—providing safe sanctuaries, medical care, and a future free from cruelty for bears like David.
Your support fuels their mission, built on four guiding principles:
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Empathy – Building compassion through emotional connections with animals
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Negotiation – Creating solutions through collaboration
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Education – Teaching future generations about cruelty-free alternatives
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Investigation – Exposing abuse and driving change
Together, these values power a global movement to replace cruelty with kindness.
A Future Worth Fighting For
Today, David’s life is filled with sunshine, friendships, and comfort. Once trapped in darkness, he now embodies hope. By supporting this product, you’re not just honoring David’s incredible journey—you’re helping to ensure countless other animals will find freedom, safety, and love.
Every purchase helps create a kinder world, one life at a time.
Every purchase powers this mission—together we can create a kinder world, one life at a time.
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)
