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Jill Robinson entered a darkened room full of cages in 1993, the only noise a fearful, clucking sound made by the bears.  In the dark, one trusting bear reached out and touched her shoulder. She turned and took the paw in her hand. Little did she know that moment would be the start of Animals Asia, and the freedom for hundreds of bears from the barbaric and cruel bile farming trade, where catheters are inserted into their abdomens to 'milk' the bile which is then used in Chinese medicine.  Some of these bears are caged for up to 30 years.  They suffer immense pain, infections, often liver cancer.  Some of them have to be euthanised upon rescue. 

In 1998 Jill created Animals Asia, and has worked with both Chinese and Vietnamese governments not only to release bears but to create legislation to ban both bear bile farming and the cruel dog and cat-eating trade (called Professor Paws) and works with volunteers to educate the youth in these countries. 

Incidentally, Jill rescued the bears in the first farm she visited in 1995.

I love this cause - I've met Jill and had the great luck to attend many Animals Asia events in the past where she has talked about the work she does.  Animals Asia is a global community of like-minded people who are brought together and cry at the loss of a bear, and celebrate at the success stories.  She has assembled a dedicated team at the rescue centres who work hard to save the mistreated bears that come in through the door - they are all heroes.

I'm running the Prague marathon to raise money for Nanning - a bear bile farm which is slowly being turned into a rescue centre.  You can read about Nanning on Jill's blog: 

https://www.animalsasia.org/intl/social/jills-blog/2015/01/24/farmed-bears-to-smiling-bears/

I'm planning to run and (possibly walk or crawl) the 42km but I'm inspired by my cause!  Please give generously!!

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