In this episode, we are joined by Sarah Van Herpt, Director of Veterinary and Behavioural Husbandry Services at Animals Asia, for an in-depth conversation about animal mental health, trauma, and recovery in sanctuary settings. With a background spanning biology, conservation, veterinary nursing, and clinical animal behaviour, Sarah brings a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective shaped by her work in Vietnam and New Zealand.
Together, we explore why psychological well-being deserves the same attention as physical health in rescued wildlife, particularly in bears recovering from the trauma of bile farming. Sarah shares how mental health is assessed in sanctuary medicine, the behavioural signs of trauma she commonly sees in newly rescued bears, and how her team balances environmental enrichment, cooperative care training, and, when necessary, behavioural medication.
The episode also dives into the practical and ethical considerations of psychopharmacology in wildlife: how decisions to medicate are made, what has been learned about dosages and side effects in bears, and how success is measured beyond simple clinical outcomes. Through the powerful case of Ban, a rescued bear whose recovery illustrates the intersection of medicine, behaviour, and trust, Sarah highlights the transformative impact of patient-centred, trauma-informed care.
Finally, we reflect on broader questions facing the veterinary and animal welfare professions: Is the field ready to formally integrate mental health into welfare assessments? And how can we move past concerns about anthropomorphism to better support animals recovering from profound psychological trauma?
This episode is essential listening for veterinarians, animal welfare professionals, and anyone interested in compassionate, evidence-based approaches to animal care.
Read more:
www.animalsasia.org
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