Jimmy Doherty of Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Wherstead went to South Korea to visit moon bears who have been caged.
They were used in bile farms before the industry was outlawed, but remain in captivity, with many facing the risk of euthanasia.
More than £30,000 has been raised to save the bears. (Image: Jimmy’s Farm)
During his visit, Jimmy Doherty witnessed a moon bear who was 27 years-old having to be put down.
The charity, Space for the wild, which Mr Doherty is a chair of said: “Sadly, one beautiful soul couldn’t be saved… 27 years in a cage had taken its toll, and the kindest thing we could do was release her from her pain.
“The other five bears are now free from the cages, safe, and receiving urgent veterinary care at a government facility.”
A purpose-built enclosure is already being created at the wildlife park in Suffolk, with more than £30,000 raised to help the bears make the 5,500-mile journey.