Mu Aye Pu Bears
Facts, Timeline, and Records
Introductory Summary
This page addresses public allegations concerning the welfare of two rescued bear cubs at Mu Aye Pu.
Contrary to claims made in the media and online forums, the bear welfare program was actively supported by IDPM.COM Pte Ltd from 2018 through March 2020. This included direct payments for food and care, local caretaker support, and funding for the construction of a dedicated enclosure.
The following timeline and documentation provide a factual, evidence-based record of IDPM’s actions in support of animal welfare and community trust.
Timeline of Bear Welfare Support
📅 13 December 2017
Kurt Hanson commits via email to fund a full-time bear keeper (USD 100/month), bear food (USD 100/month), and an enclosure (~USD 1,000).
(Evidence: Kurt Hanson email)
📅 Mid-2018
Despite commitments, Mr Hanson fails to provide funds. Community members and IDPM staff cover bear care expenses. To protect community trust and project integrity, IDPM.COM Pte Ltd formally assumes responsibility for bear care.
📅 22 November 2018
IDPM transfers THB 50,324.00 to Sabine Roper for bear food, enclosure, and caretaker costs.
(Evidence: DBS Bank transfer)
📅 15 November 2019
PayPal payment of USD 480.00 to Danielle Visser for 3 months' support (Sept–Nov 2019).
(Evidence: PayPal record)
📅 4 January 2020
Sabine Roper requests continued support:
"Please continue to pay. Same PayPal as before. The bears need to eat and we are constructing the second part of the bear house."
📅 6 January 2020
Nigel Grier replies: confirms willingness to pay and requests detailed reconciliation of outstanding amounts.
(Evidence: Email reply)
📅 24 February 2020
PayPal payment of USD 480.00 for Jan–Mar 2020 bear care.
(Evidence: PayPal record)
📅 6 March 2020
Sydney Morning Herald publishes article referencing bear welfare allegations.
📅 27 March 2020
Final confirmed payment of USD 160.00 made by IDPM via PayPal.
(Evidence: PayPal record)
📅 April 2020 Onwards
No further payments were made due to:
False allegations disrupting operations, and Non-response from the caretaker to the reconciliation request
Date Amount To Purpose
22 Nov 2018 THB 50,324 Sabine Roper Enclosure, food, wages
15 Nov 2019 USD 480.00 Danielle Visser 3 months’ bear care (via Sabine)
24 Feb 2020 USD 480.00 Danielle Visser Jan–Mar 2020 bear care
27 Mar 2020 USD 160.00 Danielle Visser March 2020 bear care
Failure of External Commitments and IDPM’s Response
Following Mr Kurt Hanson’s failure to honour financial commitments to the Mu Aye Pu community regarding bear welfare, local community members and IDPM staff were left with responsibility for the animals. The failure to follow through caused reputational strain for Karen Enterprises. To protect relationships and project credibility, IDPM.COM Pte Ltd formally took on operational and financial responsibility for the bear welfare program, supporting care, feeding, and infrastructure for nearly two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. IDPM funded bear care from 2018 through March 2020.
Due to false allegations, reputational damage, and no response from the caretaker regarding payment reconciliation.
Yes — DBS bank records, PayPal receipts, and caretaker emails.