Rick Wakeman Performs For 150 Rescued Vietnamese Moon Bears
Things are generally quite difficult for the Asiatic black bear, sometimes known as the moon bear. The moon bear's bile is used in some traditional Chinese medicines, and many of the animals are being held captive in Vietnam and China, keeping them in torturous conditions and extracting bile from their stomachs with needles. Fortunately, Vietnam recently banned the practice, and 150 rescued moon…
Rick Wakeman, a renowned prog rock keyboardist and former member of the band Yes, performed a special concert for 150 rescued Vietnamese moon bears at a sanctuary in Tam Dao national park. Moon bears are often held captive for their bile, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and face inhumane conditions. In Vietnam, a recent ban on the practice has led to the rescue of these bears and their rehabilitation at the sanctuary.
Wakeman, known for his eccentric personality and strong advocacy for animal rights, had previously sponsored the bears and collaborated with the organization Animals Asia. During his visit, he gave a solo piano performance for the bears within view of the fence. Before his performance, Wakeman told The Guardian that he would not be playing "The Teddy Bear's Picnic," and when asked if the bears would enjoy the music, he said, "All animals react to music, especially gentle melodic music."
As Wakeman played, it appeared that some of the bears were listening attentively, and he visibly expressed his delight at their reactions. The Guardian reported that Wakeman is also known for playing music for his rescued pets at his home in Suffolk, England. He mentioned that his cat would even jump on the grand piano and rattle the strings if the music stopped. Wakeman believes that bears appreciate melodic music and hopes the bears would relax and enjoy the performance.
In summary, Rick Wakeman's concert for the rescued moon bears at Tam Dao national park in Vietnam highlighted the plight of these animals and the importance of animal rights.
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