Rescued From Illegal Wildlife Trafficking, These Sloth Bears Are Rebuilding Their Lives

Sloth Bears are one of the most sought after creatures in the illegal wildlife trade across the world. They are trafficked for their paws, meat, fat, and bile, commonly used in some traditional Chinese medicines.

Sloth Bears which are widely found across India are also trafficked for their organs and to keep them as pets.

BCCL

Five such animals who were destined for the illegal wildlife markets last year had a lucky escape as they were seized from traffickers near the Indo-Nepal border in an anti-poaching operation.

A year since they were rescued, the bears are enjoying their lives at the world's largest Sloth bear rehabilitation center in Agra, run by Wildlife SOS. To celebrate their one year of freedom, the animal care staff at the center organised a fruit feast for the bears!

Wildlife SOS

The five sloth bears were brought by wildlife traffickers from the Indo-Nepal border areas into the Deogarh district of Jharkhand. The offenders were planning to sell these animals to other middlemen.

By the timely rescue of these bears by enforcement authorities, they had been saved from trafficking and a lifetime of torture. Following formal orders from the Chief Wildlife Wardens of Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh Forest Departments, the bears were transferred to the 165 acre Agra Bear Rescue Facility.

This is the largest bear rehabilitation center in the world for this species, run by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The bears have been named after the Weasley family from the popular children's book series 'Harry Potter.' Aged between 3 and 11 years, Arthur and Molly are the oldest of the group, with Ron, Ginny and Charlie being the younger bears.

Wildlife SOS

"The timely intervention by the enforcement authorities helped save the lives of these bears. They deserve a life of dignity and freedom, and we are happy to see them grow stronger and healthier under the dedicated care of staff and veterinarians," Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS said.

In the past year, the bears have shown remarkable progress and are receiving the best possible treatment and care. They have access to large free range enclosures, equipped with different enrichments that encourage physical activity and give them a chance to display natural behaviour. To celebrate their one year rescue anniversary, the animal care staff at the center organised a delicious fruit feast for the 'Weasley bears!'

Willife SOS

"At the time of rescue, the bears were in terrible condition.Their muzzles were pierced and teeth were smashed in, which required immediate treatment. It is reassuring to see that our efforts have made a positive difference to their lives," Dr. S Ilayaraja, Wildlife SOS Deputy Director, Veterinary Services said.

"The bears are quite active and have adapted well to their new home. It fills our hearts with absolute joy watching them simply be bears again!," Geeta Seshamani, Secretary and Co-founder of Wildlife SOS said.