Expat bear rescuer lands another honour Dr Robinson, originally from Middlesex, divides her time between her sanctuaries in China and Vietnam, living in Hong Kong, and giving presentations around the world. Two decades of tireless work on her part has resulted in hundreds of bears being rescued and dozens of the cruel farms being shut down across Asia. More than 10,000 bears are kept in tiny cages on bile farms in China, and around 2,400 in Vietnam, according to Animals Asia. The bears are milked regularly for their bile, which is used in traditional medicine, but the painful and invasive techniques used cause them to suffer infections. Dr Robinson, who was presented with her award by British actors Hayley Mills and Stephen Tomkinson, said: "The best thing about this award is the depth of feeling coming from the British public in sympathy and support for the bears. This is what will help to bring bear farming to an end and I'm immensely grateful not only to a fantastically passionate and tireless team Animals Asia and to all those in China and Vietnam leading the campaign, but to the British Animal Honours for shining the spotlight on this hideous practice and giving the bears their voice. It was a privilege sharing the evening with so many amazing people working in the animal world.