Jane Goodall Became Guardian Of 'Robinson,' A Moon Bear Rescued From Vietnam's Bile Farms

Animals Asia has revealed that less than a year before her death, world-renowned primatologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall became the official guardian of a rescued moon bear named Robinson. Goodall personally chose the name in honor of Jill Robinson, founder of Animals Asia and a longtime friend and collaborator.

Robinson was rescued from a bear bile farm in Vietnam, where she spent an estimated 15 years confined in a small cage and subjected to repeated bile extraction. Rescuers found Robinson and five other moon bears lined up in a cold, damp shed; Robinson was missing her left front paw and most of her left hind paw, injuries believed to come from snares used when she was captured as a cub.

Rehabilitation And A New Life

After being removed from the closed farm, Robinson arrived at Animals Asia’s Vietnam sanctuary severely traumatized and injured. Veterinarians treated her damaged paws, broken teeth and skin wounds, and she was moved into a spacious, natural enclosure where she could forage, swim and socialize. Over time Robinson has become calmer, more curious and playful, sharing enrichment time and pools with her companion Manu.

Goodall's Guardianship And Legacy

The Jane Goodall Institute has committed to funding Robinson’s lifetime care, ensuring she will receive ongoing veterinary attention and the resources required for a comfortable life. Animals Asia said it had planned to announce Goodall’s guardianship in late 2025 but chose to delay the news after Goodall’s death; they now describe the guardianship as part of her lasting legacy as an advocate for animals.

"Imagine being ripped away from your mother as a child, spending fifteen years in a tiny metal-barred cage, and being jabbed almost every day with long needles. That is what happened to my bear Robinson, who was forced to suffer for years on a bile farm," Goodall wrote in an open letter shared by Animals Asia.

"The decision to become a guardian for a rescued bile farm bear may sound small — but to me it's deeply personal. Because the bear I'm now linked to is a survivor. And the woman I named her after — Jill Robinson — has done more to end this cruelty than anyone I've met," she added.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Although Vietnam has banned bear bile farming, dozens of bears remain on former farms. Animals Asia says it has space in one of its two Vietnam sanctuaries to house the remaining bile-farmed bears but needs farmers to surrender the animals. The organization is working with Vietnamese authorities to relocate survivors to safe habitats in and around Bach Ma National Park, where bears can live in larger, natural enclosures with nutritious food and specialist veterinary care.

Animals Asia described the rescued animals’ plight poignantly: "These last bears survived the industry. Now they must survive the wait." The charity encourages supporters to learn more about its rescue and sanctuary work on its website.