Watch Bringing Home the Bears

Bringing Home the Bears is a heartwarming and educational show, presented by Conservationist Giles Clark, that follows the journey of rescued bears from around the world to their new home at the British Bear Rescue Centre. The show focuses on the rehabilitation process of these mistreated and neglected animals, providing insight into the challenges faced by animal welfare organizations and the impact that humans have on wildlife.

Throughout each episode, the audience is introduced to the different bears and their individual stories. Whether it’s witnessing the start of their journey back to health, or discovering their unique personalities, Bringing Home the Bears provides a glimpse into the world of bears who have long endured the cruel treatment of captivity.

We see how the team at the British Bear Rescue Centre work tirelessly to provide a safe and loving environment for the bears to recover and thrive. To achieve this, they must first gain the trust of these animals which requires a great deal of patience and understanding. Giles Clark and his team lead the bears through a gentle process of rehabilitation that includes learning new social skills, trusting humans again, and finally moving into a larger enclosure where they can live amongst their peers.

One of the centre's most interesting inhabitants is a two-year-old sun bear named Mary. She was rescued from illegal traders in Cambodia, where she had been kept in a small cage on the roadside. Mary had been taken away from her mother at only a few months old, and when she was found, she had endured such considerable trauma that she was completely terrified of humans.

Through a series of emotional scenes, the audience is brought along to watch Mary's transformation as she begins to trust the handlers, and she eventually starts to playfully interact with them. Later in the show, the viewers are shown how Mary is integrated into a larger group with other bears.

Another example is the story of the Malayan moon bear called Hope. She was rescued from a bile farm which kept bears in tiny cages for years, only to be drained of their bile for traditional medicine usage. When Hope arrived, she was in terrible condition, having been left in the same cramped position for years on end. She had never walked properly, nor had she managed to build any muscle in her legs. The rehabilitation process for Hope is slow and painful, as it involves her learning to use her legs properly for walking and running.

As each of the episodes progress in Bringing Home the Bears, the audience is exposed to different aspects of bear behaviour and the difficulties that come from dealing with abused animals. In addition to its inherent educational value, the show really highlights the positive impact that animal welfare groups can have in the fight against animal trafficking and mistreatment.

The underlying message of Bringing Home the Bears is one of empathy, which not only helps the bears, but also raises questions about the treatment of animals in many parts of the world. As part of its educational aspect, the show exposes practices such as bear farms, animal trafficking, hunting, and other unsustainable uses of wildlife. Through watching the show, the viewers are encouraged to help in any way possible to stop these cruel practices.

The show is not just about the bears themselves. Throughout the program, they get in-depth behind the scenes footage of the British Bear Rescue Centre and the team that runs it. For instance, the director of the centre tells the audience how he took in the bears, the capacity of the facility, as well as the resources required to run the centre. It's fascinating to see how these people in charge of the bears live their lives, seeing their dedication and passion for helping the bears.

To sum it up, Bringing Home the Bears is an endearing and engaging program that is wonderfully shot and edited. It brings awareness to animal welfare issues and the importance of conservation work, while showing the positive impact of animal rescue and rehabilitation. Watch this show to be moved by bear rescue stories from around the world and the work of British Bear Rescue Centre staff.

Bringing Home the Bears is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between January 1, 2004 and on TVF International