Jill Robinson

Sometimes we receive a message in life that is hard to ignore. For Jill, that message came in 1993 when a single moment was to alter the course of her life forever...

During the first investigation of a bear farm in China, Jill discovered Asiatic Black Bears imprisoned in tiny cages literally no bigger than their own bodies. Painfully milked each day for their bile through metal catheters crudely inserted into their abdomens, these bears had endured unimaginable physical and mental abuse for over 20 years. As she documented the conditions on that first farm (later exposing the practice to the international community), a bear reached out from one of the coffin-like cages and gently touched Jill. It was a silent plea for help and in that moment, Jill made a promise to do whatever she could to end their suffering.

Inextricably bound to her discovery of bear farming, the course of animal welfare in China was to change as Jill embarked on a long process of negotiations with the Chinese government, resolutely building relations, increasing her understanding of the practice and working with Traditional Medicine practitioners. In 1995 she secured the release of the original bears she had discovered in 1993. In 1998 she founded Animals Asia and in July 2000 she and the Animals Asia team signed a breakthrough agreement with the Chinese authorities to rescue 500 farmed bears and work towards the final elimination of bear farming. (This agreement was the first accord of its kind between Beijing and any outside animal welfare organization.)

Jill's lifelong passion for all animals has seen her working tirelessly on their behalf since her arrival in Hong Kong in 1985. For 20 years Jill has been investigating and warning the world of the dangers of Asia’s live animal markets. Repeatedly faced with scenes of widespread animal cruelty, Jill decided to introduce the concept of 'animal welfare through people welfare' and founded "Dr. Dog" in Hong Kong in 1991 - the first animal therapy programme of its kind in Asia. Today, over 300 dogs and their dedicated volunteers make regular visits to hospitals, disabled centres, schools and elderly homes in 6 countries across Asia, spreading warmth and love to people in need, while promoting companion animals as our friends and helpers.

As the China Bear Rescue and new "Friends….or Food?" campaign escalate, Jill's work continues to offer a lifeline to animals that previously had no hope. Over 200 bears have been rescued from bile farms and dozens more continue to pour into Animals Asia's Rescue centers in Chengdu, China and Tam Dao, Vietnam.

Jill's dedication to animal welfare is the driving force behind Animals Asia, helping to inspire change and restore respect for animals.