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Bears off to new life
Two Asiatic Black Bears seized by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) in 1993 were today (Thursday) sent to a breeding centre in Thailand in preparation for a new life.
The two bears were seized on two separate occasions in June that year, one from a private premises in Sham Shui Po and the other found abandoned in the countryside in Yuen Long a few days later. They have since been kept by AFD and are in good health.
In Thailand, the bears will undergo a rehabilitation programme in a government breeding centre with a view to being released back to the wild. Thailand is one of the Asian countries where wild Asiatic Black Bear can be found.
Conservation Officer of AFD, Dr So Ping-man, took the opportunity to remind the public that all bears are endangered species protected in Hong Kong under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance.
"The import, export and possession of bear in Hong Kong require a licence from the Agriculture and Fisheries Department in advance," he said.
"This covers live or dead animals, stuffed specimens, parts or derivatives. In the case of bears, the control include bear gall bladder, bile and bile powder."
Asiatic Black Bear is a highly endangered species. Under normal circumstances, no licence will be issued for its import, export or possession.
Any person who contravenes the licensing control is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Dr So was glad that arrangements can be made for rehabilitating the two bears for subsequent return to the wild saying that it was in the interest of the bears and conservation.
He also thanked Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd for contributing to this worthy cause by providing free transportation for the bears to Thailand.