Founded by Jill Robinson in 1998, Animals Asia Foundation is devoted to the welfare of wild and urban animals in Asia. We also work towards the conservation of endangered species.
Animals Asia is an Asian-focused registered charity with headquarters in Hong Kong and offices in Australia, China, Germany, Italy, the UK and USA, as well as Moon Bear Rescue Centres in China and Vietnam. We have around 270 staff worldwide.
Our work
We have three flagship programmes: End Bear Farming, Cat and Dog Welfare and Action against Cruelty. Under these, we have many campaigns, including the Moon Bear Rescue aimed at bringing the barbaric practice of bear farming and the bile trade to an end. We have signed agreements with both the Chinese and Vietnamese governments to rescue 700 bears from the torture of bile farms, and bring them to our sanctuaries to live out their lives in peace and safety.
At present, we have around 250 rescued bears at our sanctuaries in China and Vietnam and over the years, we’ve rescued a total of 350 bears. In China, we’re working with conservation leaders in Beijing as well as forestry leaders in individual provinces to close down farms and make whole provinces bear-farm free. So far, we’ve closed down 43 Chinese farms and seen 20 of mainland China’s 31 provinces become proudly bear farm-free. We also work to reduce the demand for bile in Asia by promoting affordable, effective and cruelty-free alternatives.
Under Cat and Dog Welfare, our campaigns include Friends or Food (to end cat and dog eating in Asia) and Animal Therapy (our pioneering Dr Dog and Professor Paws programmes).
More than 250 registered therapy dogs and their guardians volunteer in 10 Asian cities, spreading their special brand of comfort and love to those in need in hospitals, orphanages, schools and centres for the disabled. We feel these dogs are the perfect ambassadors for their species (as well as for cats) and hope that eventually people will grow to love all animals through their love of these companion animals.
Under our multi-species programme, Action against Cruelty, our campaigns include Captive Bear Care; Chinese Zoos and Safari Parks; and Wildlife Consumption.
We lobby government departments at all levels for long-term comprehensive changes to legislation on China animal-protection laws as well as to bring about positive changes today. In October 2010, shortly after we intensified our almost 20-year campaign to end cruel performances in zoos and safari parks in China, the ministry responsible for zoos issued a directive country-wide ordering the end of animal performances and improvements to the living conditions of animals in zoos on a number of levels.
Under Animal Welfare Action, we harness the voices of supporters around the globe to lobby for specific actions by governments or organisations. We raise awareness of cruel practices and mistreatment of animals used in public entertainment and traditional medicine. We expose the brutality of live-animal markets and co-ordinate relief for animals in emergency situations.
Animals Asia Foundation has charitable status in Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Luxembourg and the UK, and 501(c)(s) status in the USA. Donations are tax-deductible in these countries in accordance with local regulations.
Our mission
To protect animals in Asia from cruelty, focusing on two major issues:
Ending bear farming and the trade in bear bile
Ending the consumption of dogs and cats
Our vision
To foster a new era of compassion and respect for animals by promoting a change in attitudes.
Our approach
Change through empathy: Our animal ambassadors embody the ideal that empathy for one animal can evolve into empathy for an entire species and ultimately for all species.
Negotiation: We take a non-partisan, sensitive approach in working with governments, authorities, experts and local communities. We work with, not against, people to find sustainable solutions for all parties.
Education: We inform and empower local communities for the welfare of animals and people, promoting change at the grass-roots level.
Investigation: Using the latest veterinary techniques, animal care and conservation science, our field officers find solutions for animals that take into account local needs.
Healing without harm: We promote alternatives to animal products for use in traditional medicine.
Animal therapy: Our Doctor Dog and Professor Paws programmes show that animals are our helpers and friends.
Our impact
Our values
Animals first:Our first priority is the welfare of all animals. We are passionate about ending cruelty and restoring respect for animals in Asia. We have their best interests at heart when considering any action, and every project we undertake will have this as our goal.
Integrity: We believe in acting ethically, responsibly and fairly in all our dealings with people and animals alike and will not compromise on our principles when dealing with other agencies, officials or individuals.
Accountability: Ensuring that all donations are used in the most effective way to benefit animals is of utmost importance to us. We endeavour at all times to meet the expectations of our donors and to conduct our operations with meticulous documentation and transparency. We are extremely grateful for the trust and confidence placed in us by our supporters and as such we will be responsible custodians of the animals and funds entrusted into our care.
Commitment to mission: Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges we face, we drive ourselves to overcome them, always remaining committed to our cause. The solutions we strive for are never short term and nor is our commitment. We will stay on course and never waiver for as long as it takes. In doing so, we accept the risks and uncertainty associated with our line of work.
Respect: We will consult and work with government and communities and will strive to find compassionate solutions that take into account the individual animal, the species and the people affected as we seek to achieve our primary mission.
