Inside Animals Asia’s Bear Sanctuary with Sarah Van Herpt [Episode 228]

In this inspiring episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Sarah Van Herpt, the Director of Veterinary and Behavioural Husbandry Services for Animals Asia Vietnam. Sarah shares her extensive experience and insights on the groundbreaking work being done at the Animals Asia Vietnam Bear Rescue Center. With over 200 Asiatic black bears and Malayan sun bears under her care, Sarah discusses the organisations approaches to bear care, cooperative training, and rehabilitation.

Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges and successes in rescuing bears from the bile trade and other adverse conditions. Sarah also highlights the importance of compassion and empathy, not just for the animals but also for the people involved in this difficult work. This episode offers valuable lessons for trainers on how to implement cooperative care techniques and how to build trust and resilience in animals that have experienced trauma.

Key Points Discussed:

• The mission and operations of Animals Asia, including their efforts to end bear bile farming in Vietnam and China.
• The rehabilitation process for rescued bears and the innovative care techniques used at the sanctuary.
• Success stories of individual bears and how personalized care and training have helped them recover.
• The importance of compassion and empathy in animal welfare and how it translates into practical care strategies.
• Sarah's personal journey in animal training and her advice for trainers looking to make a significant impact in their field.

Links

• www.animalsasia.org
• https://www.facebook.com/AnimalsAsia/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/animalsasia
• https://www.youtube.com/user/hkaaf 

Some specific video links:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jplkBH0n8_Y
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArrLWzJfniw 
  • (Cubby Leo who Sarah talks about in the podcast episode used to be called Annemarie before she got her bear guardian).