Watch what has been described as "the most challenging operation ever attempted by a bear rescue organization: transporting 101 endangered Asiatic black bears halfway across China."

This short documentary produced by the Asiatic black bear rescue organization Animals Asia chronicles the 750-mile journey to take the bears from a former bile factory to a large rescue center where they can lead lives akin to what they would enjoy in the wild. 

Actor James Cromwell narrates the tale of the preparation, 48-hour drive, and joyous release of the bears into natural enclosures this past April. Viewers learn how the endangered animals were prepped for the journey and tended to along the way, but seeing them have the first opportunity to frolic in the sunlight is worth the watch alone. 

Animals Asia was founded in 1998 with the mission of "ending bear bile farming and improving the welfare of animals across Asia." It currently operates in China and Vietnam. The group has been active in numerous bear rescue operations and conservation sites in northern Vietnam and been a driving force to have all bear bile operations permanently shuttered in the country. 

Watch the documentary below:

Video via Animals Asia YouTube page.

[Top image via Animals Asia.]