1. General Introduction to Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh
Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh (Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh) is located on the road connecting Cuc Phuong and Bai Dinh, about 8 km from Cuc Phuong National Park. This is considered a "safe home" for bears that were previously kept in captivity or exploited for bile, and have now been rescued and cared for in a suitable environment. With its vast, nature-friendly space, the sanctuary plays an important role in the journey of bear conservation in Vietnam, offering these bears a new life that is peaceful, free, and full of hope.
The Ninh Binh Bear Rescue Centre is a "safe haven" for bears that were previously kept in captivity or exploited for bile. (Source: Collected)
The centre boasts four semi-wild enclosures with a total area of over 22,000 m², recreating natural habitats so that bears can gradually regain their natural instincts and behaviours. The slogan "Here the bears can choose" clearly reflects the centre's operating philosophy: prioritizing the bears' freedom and emotions. Each individual bear is free to sunbathe, swim, climb, play, or forage according to their natural needs. Private spaces are also provided for bears to relax and feel safe. The centre is not only a place of care but also a hub for spreading a humane message about love for nature, understanding, and human responsibility towards wild animals.
2. History and Origin of the Ninh Binh Bear Rescue Centre
2.1. Establishment of the Rescue Centre
In 2015, the Ninh Binh Bear Rescue Centre was established by the international organization Four Paws – a renowned non-profit organization in the field of wildlife protection. Following construction according to international standards, the centre officially received its first bear in 2017, marking the beginning of its journey to rescue and rehabilitate bears that had been kept in captivity or exploited for bile. To date, the sanctuary has become a "common home" for 49 bears, victims of years of captivity, exploitation, and bile extraction. The establishment and development of the centre have not only brought a new life to the bears but also contributed to spreading a humane message about wildlife protection in Vietnam.
2.2. Operating Objectives
The main objective of the Ninh Binh Bear Rescue Centre is to rescue, care for, and restore natural behaviours in bears that were previously kept in captivity or exploited for bile. Here, bears receive medical treatment, live in a semi-wild environment, and gradually relearn the species' inherent behaviours. Furthermore, the centre aims for a larger goal: to contribute to the complete elimination of bear farming for bile in Vietnam through communication, community education, and cooperation with authorities. This is a crucial step in protecting wildlife and building a more humane living environment for all species.
Rescued, cared for, and behaviorally rehabilitated bears. (Source: Collected)
3. Visiting Experience at Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center
3.1. Elevated Viewing Path
When you visit the Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center, you will experience an elevated viewing path approximately 250 m long, solidly built with concrete and running along the semi-wild area. From this vantage point, visitors can easily observe bears playing outdoors, climbing, sunbathing, or searching for food in their natural habitat. This viewing path not only offers a safe and comfortable perspective but also helps visitors better appreciate the recovery journey of the bears after being rescued and cared for here.
3.2. Exhibition and Conservation Education Area
One of the most meaningful experiences at the Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center is the exhibition and conservation education area, designed with vibrant interactive elements to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of bears and the center's rescue efforts. The exhibition is arranged in three small pavilions, guiding visitors through emotional stories. In the first pavilion, named "Hello, This is a Bear," visitors will discover fascinating information about the eight bear species worldwide, from their biological characteristics to their habitats and the threats they face.
Visitors learn about 8 bear species through giant books. (Source: Collection)
Continuing the journey is the second hut named "The 1m World", which recreates the story of bears once kept in narrow cages for bile extraction. Here, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the suffering these bear individuals endured and the relentless efforts of the rescue team. Finally, the third hut, "Happy Bears", brings a warm atmosphere as visitors get to admire the joyful, free, and adorable moments of the bears after their rescue. This experience helps each visitor to further cherish the value of conservation and spread the message of love for wildlife.
3.3. A Complete Experience with Guided Tours
On Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays every week, the Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center offers in-depth guided tours, allowing visitors closer access to bear rescue and care work. This is an ideal journey for animal lovers who wish to understand more about the treatment processes, restoration of natural behaviors, as well as the individual stories of each rescued bear. Visitors will hear sharing from the very staff members directly caring for the bears, thereby gaining a deeper appreciation for the humanitarian significance of conservation efforts.
Young children excitedly learn about bear species in the bear sanctuary. (Source: Collected)
In addition, the facility has developed experiential education programs for children such as "What Do You Know About Bears?" or "Guiding Children to Make Food for Bears". These activities are not only entertaining but also help children understand more about the animal world, learning to love and protect wild species. Depending on needs and age, programs will be flexibly designed to provide beneficial, lively, and suitable experiences for children.
3.4. Vegetarian Culinary Experience
After finishing the tour, visitors can stop by the reception area designed in a green architectural style with a mahogany frame, laterite walls, and nipa palm roofs, creating a cozy and intimate feeling. This is an ideal space to enjoy pure vegetarian dishes, prepared from fresh and carefully selected ingredients. Under the skillful hands of the chef team, vegetarian dishes are not only nutritious but also bring a light, delicate taste, helping visitors recharge after a meaningful tour. A special feature is that the culinary area completely avoids single-use items, contributing to reducing plastic waste and promoting an environmentally friendly green lifestyle.
4. Opening Hours, Costs, and Regulations for Visiting Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center
4.1. Opening Hours
Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center is open to visitors from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, all days of the week from Monday to Sunday. With fixed and convenient operating hours, visitors can easily arrange their schedules to visit, experience educational and conservation activities, and enjoy the peaceful natural space here.
4.2. Visit Costs
Visitors to Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center will receive completely free admission, suitable for all groups from families, students to nature lovers. If you wish to experience the elevated viewing path to observe bears more clearly in the semi-wild area, you can purchase tickets at a price of 50,000 VND for adults and 30,000 VND for children. This is a reasonable cost, and also contributes to supporting the operational activities and care for the bears at the conservation center.
4.3. Regulations to Comply With
When visiting Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center , visitors must comply with some regulations to ensure the safety of both people and bears. Visitors are not allowed to feed the bears in any form to avoid affecting the diet and health of the individuals being cared for. Besides, banging on railings, making loud noises, or actions that startle the bears must be strictly avoided to maintain a quiet and natural living environment for them. Finally, please pay attention to maintaining cleanliness, not littering, and ensuring general order, contributing to building a civilized and environmentally friendly visiting space.
Visitors must comply with the regulations at the Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center. (Source: Collected)
5. Suggestions for combining visits to famous tourist attractions in Ninh Binh
After exploring the Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center, visitors can combine their trip with a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda, a famous spiritual complex known for its massive scale and many Vietnamese records. The serene atmosphere, impressive architecture, and majestic mountainous landscape create a special experience for those who love cultural tourism. Cuc Phuong National Park is also an ideal choice for nature lovers. With its rich ecosystem, beautiful trekking routes, and rare flora and fauna, this place promises a fascinating exploration.
Additionally, visitors can visit Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu, a peaceful ancient pagoda nestled amidst mountains and forests with a tranquil architecture and a quiet meditation space, perfect for finding balance. For modern entertainment, Sun World Ha Nam is a must-visit destination with its water park, attractive landscape areas, and many activities suitable for the whole family. Combining these destinations will make your Ninh Binh tour more colorful, complete, and memorable.
Combine sightseeing and worship at Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu. (Source: Collected)
Ninh Binh Bear Rescue Centre is not only a meaningful destination but also a place that offers visitors authentic experiences about wildlife rescue and conservation efforts in Vietnam. From semi-wild enclosures, educational activities to touching stories about the recovery journey of each bear, this place helps visitors understand more about the value of humanity and responsibility towards nature. If you are looking for a relaxing yet inspiring place to visit, take the time to visit Ninh Binh Bear Rescue Centre to personally feel the significance of the bear protection journey and join hands in spreading the message of green living.
