Why are Asiatic black bear cubs being kept in private homes in Laos?

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Asiatic Black Bear Cubs Found in Private Home in Laos Amidst Conservation Concerns

Sixteen Asiatic black bear cubs, also known as moon bears, were discovered in a private residence in Vientiane, Laos, by the conservation organisation Free the Bears. The cubs, found to be undernourished, represent the largest rescue operation of its kind for the charity this year. These animals are classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with thousands across Asia being kept as pets or exploited for their bile.
Discovery and Condition of the Cubs

Free the Bears located seventeen cubs in the Vientiane home, though one had unfortunately died prior to their arrival. The surviving sixteen cubs, comprising ten males and six females, weighed between 1.3 and four kilograms and were estimated to be two to four months old. Conservationists noted that cubs of this age are highly vulnerable and typically remain with their mothers, leading to the suspicion that the mothers were victims of poaching.
Scale of the Rescue Operation

This rescue marks the most significant for Free the Bears in 2024, surpassing a previous operation in 2019 where five cubs were saved in northern Laos. The sheer number of cubs necessitated bringing in additional expertise from Cambodia to manage the situation. The charity expressed relief that sixteen of the seventeen cubs were alive and had been given a chance at a better life.
Law Enforcement Involvement and Sanctuary Transfer

Authorities were alerted to the presence of the cubs by a neighbour who heard the distressed cries of one of the young bears. As a result of the discovery, one Laotian individual has been taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing to locate the property owner. The rescued cubs have since been transferred to the Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, where they are receiving necessary care, including bottle-feeding and close monitoring.

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Why are Asiatic black bear cubs being kept in private homes in Laos?

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