VIDEO Shows Bear Cub Rescued From Animal Traffickers Enjoying First Bubble Bath—And It’s Adorable

Courtesy of Animals Asia

A bear cub rescued from wildlife traffickers in Vietnam has enjoyed her first bubble bath in the safety of her new enclosure at a bear sanctuary—and the footage is heartwarming.

The bear cub, named Wonder, for the W-shaped crescent of fur on her chest, was confiscated from a trafficker who was trying to sell her in Dien Bien province in northwestern Vietnam and rescued by welfare charity Animals Asia in September.

“Thankfully, you heard her desperate cries for help,” the charity shared in a video of Wonder’s journey. Devastating footage shows the cub immobilized inside a tiny, rusty cage.

Two months later, and Wonder would be frolicking in a bubble bath inside a safe, fun-filled enclosure at Animals Asia’s Tam Dao bear sanctuary, after a mammoth effort by rescuers to retrieve her from 500 kilometers (310 miles) away.

Courtesy of Animals Asia

Courtesy of Animals Asia

On Nov. 11, the charity shared a video of Wonder enjoying her very first bubble bath on Facebook. In the sweet footage, Wonder romps around with a “face mask” of bubbles before thrashing about in the soapy suds until all bubbles are gone.

She played in her bathtub for hours, said sanctuary staffers.

“The bears at our sanctuaries absolutely love bubble baths, which we prepare with non-toxic soap,” they explained. “It’s great for their physical and mental development and rehabilitation ... and it’s loads of fun!”

Courtesy of Animals Asia

Owing to CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus restrictions, Wonder’s rescue wasn’t easy.

Animals Asia was contacted by police after Wonder was confiscated; the police had been “tipped off” by Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV), who had been monitoring the traffickers’ movements for a month, said the charity, speculating that Wonder was likely being sold into bile farming or as an exotic pet.

The 30-kilogram youngster was also “likely snatched from the wild,” and may have seen her mother killed before her.

Yet, the Animals Asia rescue team had to wait for negative CCP virus test results before being allowed to travel to Dien Bien. The police took care of Wonder in the meantime.

Courtesy of Animals Asia

Courtesy of Animals Asia

Upon arrival, the charity’s Bear Team Manager Hiep greeted the cub by offering honey and dried fruit on a long spoon, the first of many treats. After a long journey to her new home in Tam Dao, Wonder spent 45 days in quarantine where she enjoyed round-the-clock love and care, veterinary attention, more tasty food, showers with a water hose, and plenty of playtime.

“Because the bears we rescue have spent most of their lives in small cages, it is imperative that we don’t shock or scare them by giving them access to lots of open space right away,” the charity explained. “The quarantine period enables our bear care team space and time to provide Wonder with the physical, psychological, and emotional care she desperately needs at this important stage of her life.”

After quarantine, Wonder was moved into her very own concrete enclosure. Here, hanging toys, a hammock, climbing platforms, and a mini pool keep her entertained.

(Courtesy of Animals Asia)

(Courtesy of Animals Asia)

In an update, the charity detailed that, while Wonder was “understandably nervous and confused” in her first few days at the sanctuary, curiosity got the better of her and she soon began enjoying and exploring her new surrounds.

After acclimatizing to her enclosure, Wonder was set to be released into a large outdoor grounds with trees, toys, and plenty to climb on and play with. Here, she will be able to commune with other bears and live her best life, nothing short of what she deserves.

Animals Asia has developed a strong relationship with Dien Bien police in their ongoing mission to eradicate wildlife trafficking. The man arrested for trafficking Wonder may face a fine and a prison charge, yet the network with whom he was associated is still active.

Police are actively working to catch those responsible, said the charity.

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