Kaiya’s Heartfelt Mission to Support Free the Bears

A Young Conservationist’s Journey: Kaiya’s Heartfelt Mission to Support Free the Bears

When Kaiya celebrated her fifth birthday, she found herself surrounded by gifts from family and friends. But she started to wonder if she needed so many things. Kaiya’s parents, who had lived in Southeast Asia, suggested she could make a lasting impact by supporting a cause close to their hearts. Inspired, Kaiya learned about Free the Bears, a conservation charity dedicated to rescuing and caring for vulnerable bears across Asia.

With determination, Kaiya began her journey, donating instead of receiving gifts for birthdays and Christmas. She started putting aside part of her weekly pocket money, collecting cans and bottles, and even selling her homemade “Worm Wee” fertiliser to raise funds. Thanks to her hard work, community support, and encouragement from family and friends, Kaiya raised over $1,000 AUD by age 11—a remarkable achievement for a young girl passionate about animals.

From Fundraising to Making It Personal

Instead of simply sending the funds, Kaiya and her family decided to make her contribution even more meaningful by visiting the sanctuary. They reached out to Matt Hunt, the CEO of Free the Bears, who suggested bringing durable enrichment toys for the bears. After careful research, they selected Aussie Dog’s Monster Treat Balls for adult bears and Tucker Balls for the younger ones—sturdy, engaging toys perfect for the bears’ needs. The family set off for Luang Prabang, Laos, to witness firsthand the impact of Kaiya’s donation.

Witnessing the Difference

In Laos, Kaiya and her family visited two Free the Bears sanctuaries. At the Kuang Si Falls sanctuary, they met 20 rescued bears, each with a unique story of survival. Kaiya bonded with Bamboo, a moon bear who, due to malnutrition, now waddles around her enclosure. She also participated in food prep, hiding treats around the enclosure as enrichment—a special experience that deeply touched her.

The family then travelled to the Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary in the jungle-covered mountains. They saw how the sanctuary cares for sun bears, moon bears, macaques, leopard cats, tortoises, and even endangered red pandas. There, they helped fill the Aussie Dog balls with sticky, nutritious treats, wove hammocks for the bears, and donated supplies to support Free the Bears’ community education program.

A Journey of Inspiration

Leaving Laos, Kaiya felt inspired and motivated. She realised that giving is much more fulfilling than receiving, and her journey as a conservationist is only beginning. Today, Kaiya continues saving for Free the Bears, and she hopes her story will inspire others to support wildlife conservation. Kaiya also extends her thanks to those who made her journey possible:

• Matt Hunt and the Free the Bears team for their dedication.
• Her family, friends, and Primary School for their unwavering support.
• Aussie Dog Products for helping her select bear-proof toys.

 

Kaiya’s journey proves that anyone, regardless of age, can make an impact. She believes that “every little bit helps,” and hopes her experience will encourage others to follow their passions and give back in ways that matter. For anyone looking to make a difference, Free the Bears is always in need of support.