Bears About the House

Bears About the House is a riveting television series that aired on discovery+ in 2020. The show can be viewed as a profound document of the efforts of conservationists as they work tirelessly to rescue, nurture, and rehabilitate unwanted or misused bears in Laos, Southeast Asia. It combines elements of nature documentary, reality TV, and a sprinkling of heartfelt drama to engage and inspire audiences.

The heart of this series is wildlife conservationist Giles Clark. He is a UK-based zookeeper of international renown, becoming a household name worldwide for his gallant work with tigers and koalas in previous TV series. Guiding viewers through the thrilling world of wildlife and nature, Giles is an experienced and passionate presence, and his immense knowledge, dedication, and love for the animals he interacts with are evident and infectious.

In Bears About the House, Giles travels all the way from his comfort zone in the UK to the rustic and idyllic landscapes of Laos in Southeast Asia. He partners with the Laos-based non-profit organization, Free the Bears, transforming his life and turning his considerable skills and experience to the plight of the moon bear (also known as the Asiatic black bear).

Moon bears are an endangered species facing extinction due to illegal hunting, deforestation, habitat loss, and the controversial bear bile industry. The bile, a fluid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is used in traditional medicine practices, leading to bears being poached and caged in bear bile farms under inhumane conditions.

Throughout the series, Giles takes viewers on an emotional and educational journey that uncovers the hidden world of bear exploitation. From the cramped, unhealthy conditions of the bear bile farms to the breath-taking recovery and rehabilitation centers offering hope for these beautiful creatures, Bears About the House compellingly narrates the world from the bears' perspective.

One of the most moving segments of the show is when Giles encounters and rescues a baby bear named Mary. Watching Giles carefully nurture Mary back to health after she had been starved, dehydrated, and left in a cage barely big enough for her to move, serves to highlight the immediate and profound impact of his work. These scenes bring a significant emotional weight to the series and communicate an urgent message about wildlife conservation.

It's not just about the bears, either. The series also provides valuable insights into the workings of wildlife conservation. Viewers are given an inside look at the logistical, financial, and sometimes political challenges that organizations like Free the Bears face in their fight against wildlife exploitation. It delves into the countless hours of meticulous planning, hard labor, tireless fundraising, and negotiations it takes to rescue and rehabilitate just one bear.

A notable aspect of Bears About the House is its exemplary cinematography. Beautifully shot and edited, it captures the rustic landscapes of Laos and the vibrant detailing of the bears in their natural and rehabilitation habitats. The show overall is a sensory experience, providing viewers with a visually rich setting that enhances an already compelling narrative.

Giles Clark, with his knowledge, dedication, and warm nature, proves to be an effective anchor for such a show. He not only shares his experiences and insights into the world of bears and conservation but compassionately advocates for the wellbeing of these animals.

In summary, Bears About the House is a gateway that opens into the backdrop of nature and wildlife in Laos, spotlighting the plight of moon bears with heart-wrenching reality and the extensive efforts taken by wildlife conservationists like Giles Clark. This thought-provoking series is an ardent and urgent plea for humanity to reconsider its relationship with wilderness and wildlife. It will leave viewers astounded, educated, and inspired to participate in and champion the cause of animal welfare and conservation around the globe.