Animals Asia has rescued nearly 700 bears, providing them refuge in award-winning sanctuaries.
Jill Robinson MBE, Dr.med.vet. h.c., has been a trailblazer in animal welfare in Asia since 1985, recognized globally for her pioneering efforts to end the bear bile industry. Born in the UK, Jill moved to Hong Kong in 1985 and worked with the International Fund for Animal Welfare for 12 years. In 1993, a visit to a bear bile farm in China profoundly impacted her, prompting her lifelong mission to end the cruel practice of bear bile farming.
In 1998, Jill founded Animals Asia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending bear bile farming and promoting animal welfare across China and Vietnam. Under her leadership, the organization made history in 2000 by establishing the first bear rescue sanctuary in China, following a groundbreaking agreement with Chinese authorities. In 2017, Jill secured a Memorandum of Understanding with the Vietnamese government to eradicate bear bile farming in Vietnam, and by 2023, Animals Asia inaugurated Vietnam’s second and final bear sanctuary to rescue the remaining bears on farms.
To date, Animals Asia has rescued nearly 700 bears, providing them refuge in award-winning sanctuaries. Jill’s work extends beyond bears, encompassing campaigns against animal cruelty in tourism, such as unethical elephant rides, and efforts to end the dog and cat meat trade. She also pioneered “Dr. Dog,” Asia’s first animal therapy program. Jill’s tireless dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including an MBE, honorary doctorates, and global recognition as a leader in animal rights.