WA community commended on efforts to save sun bears now at Perth Zoo

25/2/98

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes today congratulated the Western Australian community for their efforts in helping save three sun bears, now resident at Perth Zoo.

Mrs Edwardes applauded the community's effort while launching the new sun bears exhibit at the Perth Zoo.

"Today is a very important day for the Perth Zoo's three sun bears," the Minister said.

"After a long journey they are safe, thanks to the efforts and generosity of many Western Australians."

In late January, the three sun bears arrived at Perth Zoo after being saved in Cambodia through the work of the Perth-based organisation Free the Bear Fund Inc.

The bears, two females aged two years and 14 months and a male 18 months, spent a year at a bear reserve outside Pnom Penh, prior to arriving at Perth Zoo. The male and one of the females were rescued from cages at Pnom Penh restaurants.

"This is a fairy tale ending for these three bears and marks the beginning of a completely new life for them," Mrs Edwardes said.

Perth Zoo, Free the Bears and the Cambodian Government worked together for more than 12 months to secure the three bears.

"Our bears were not saved until they reached the sanctuary of Perth Zoo," Mrs Edwardes said.

"I am pleased to say that when the final approval process was delayed, the Federal Minister for the Environment, Senator Robert Hill and I were able to re-start it to ensure the bears made their flight to safety.

"I applaud the work of everyone in Cambodia, at Perth Zoo, Senator Robert Hill's office and most importantly Mary Hutton, founder of Free the Bears, for their efforts to save these bears."

The Free the Bears Fund was founded by Perth woman Mary Hutton. Mrs Hutton's efforts to rally Western Australian community, raise funds and 'in kind' support internationally was a major catalyst in saving the three bears.

Mrs Hutton and her colleagues from Free the Bears continue their work to save mistreated bears and provide rehabilitation, care and a secure sanctuaries for them.

"Perth Zoo is already home to a number of important breeding programs for native and exotic wildlife," Mrs Edwardes said.

"These three bears will help establish another breeding program.

"Through this work, not only will these bears be saved but their future generations are also secure."

The Australasian Species Management Program is currently establishing a stud book and breeding program for the sun bear to secure its long-term future in the Australia zoo region.

The program will include Perth Zoo's three animals, along with three saved last year now resident at Taronga Zoo.

"This is an important and satisfying achievement for all Western Australians," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Not only can the community now visit these beautiful animals, but we can also become more aware of issues facing wildlife in our region and what can be done to secure their future."

Media contact: Ministerial - Nicole Trigwell 08 9421 7777

Zoo - Ian Williams 08 9474 0383, mobile 041 990 4034