Most people wouldn't visit bear parks if they found out the real cost: how the animals are kept in concrete pits and forced to beg for food, all in the name of 'entertainment'. That's why public pressure is our greatest weapon in the battle to close or significantly improve Japan's bear parks.

Kept behind rusting iron bars, a bear cannot forage for food or behave naturally. Exposed to the elements, and with a diet of food scraps, she may become weak and vulnerable to disease. A lack of mental stimulation can make her behaviour futile and repetitive - a recognised sign of distress. This boredom can lead to aggression, especially from dominant bears that may attack smaller ones.

These bears are often deprived of food during the day so they're eager to beg for it from tourists visiting the park. Many bears are beaten to force them to perform unnatural circus-style acts, such as playing soccer, riding bicycles or balancing on balls. Between shows, large numbers of fully-grown and young bears are cramped into cold, barren concrete pits. In some parks, bears are kept underground when not on show to the public.

Currently, more than 800 bears are kept in unsanitary concrete enclosures for the amusement of paying visitors. That's fewer bears than just a year ago, thanks to work by WSPA and our Japanese member society, All Life in a Viable Environment (ALIVE). Last year, we presented the results of our study into bear parks to the park owners and the media. Soon after, the Jyozankei park agreed to close down. Right now, two others are considering closure. But the largest parks have so far resisted calls for reform or closure.

How WSPA aims to close down the worst bear parks within the next three years.

By continually increasing the pressure of public opinion, we can force Japan's bear parks to close down or be transformed into forested enclosures that would better meet the physical and behavioural needs of the bears.

One of the ways we're building public awareness about the plight of these animals has been through a short film shown in cinemas. We're the first charity to use this medium to get our message across to thousands of Japanese. Another tactic has been to inform travel agents (that send tours to them) about the cruelty of bear parks. WSPA and ALIVE also continue to lobby the Japanese government for enforceable laws to protect bears and other captive animals.

WSPA needs help to free these bears from a painful existence.

Raising public awareness and constant lobbying takes time and money. For $25 a month, you can join WSPA Animal Rescue and help us keep up the pressure on bear park owners and politicians. Or alternatively please make a donation. Your support will help us close down Japan's worst bear parks as well as fund our other vital work around the world.

To support our work online, click here. For phone donations please call WSPA Australia on 1300 13 9772 or WSPA New Zealand on 0800 500 9772.