Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
"Moon Bear Sanctuary" shows a Moon Bear in a hammock.

Moon Bears are illegally captured in Laos and held captive for life to exact bile from their gall bladders. The bile is believed to be beneficial in Eastern Medicine. Typically, the adults are killed during the capture and the cubs are taken and kept for up 30 years in cruel conditions. This sanctuary in Laos cares for and protects bears freed from these illegal farms by authorities.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Laos
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © John Comisky