Free the Bears Fund Inc. has many devoted supporters and members that
strive to provide bears all over the world with a better life. As a non-profit
organisation, Free the Bears relies on the dedication and determination of our
'family' to spread the word about the plight facing bears across the globe. We
always welcome any new supporters as every donation, fund raiser, cake stall,
merchandise sale, educational event or media release that focuses on Free the
Bears and bear rescue serves to highlight our goal "to protect, preserve and
enrich the lives of bears throughout the world."
We were therefore extremely happy to welcome two very special visitors to our
Cambodian sanctuary recently.
On January 24th, 2008 Rove McManus and Tasma Walton travelled to Phnom Penh and
were introduced to our newest bear arrivals – 2 Asiatic black bear cubs that had
recently been confiscated from a wildlife trader. Rove and Tasma are both well
known throughout Australia, and indeed, worldwide. Rove is the host of his
self-titled TV show "Rove" and a successful stand up comedian, whilst Tasma has
acted in numerous TV series including "Blue Heelers". She is also a talented
screen writer.
Both Rove and Tasma are extremely conservation minded and are truly passionate
about protecting and preserving wildlife. It was our pleasure to be able to
inform our VIP's about the threats facing Asian bears, whilst allowing them some
'up close' encounters with our two orphaned cubs.
Later that week, Rove and Tasma travelled out to Free the Bears' Cambodian
Sanctuary, located at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre. Both participated in
hiding food treats for the growing population of almost 90 rescued Sun bears and
Asiatic black bears, as well as looking over the newest of the sanctuary's bear
facilities.
On the conclusion of their visit, Rove and Tasma were ecstatic when it was
announced that our two young Asiatic black bear cubs, one male and one female,
would be named in their honour. And after this, of course, they couldn't resist
one final visit with their bear counterparts, helping to give the cubs their
last feed of the day before putting them to bed!
Free the Bears are pleased to welcome our newest members – Rove McManus and
Tasma Walton – to the family!
