p>Mumbai: An adult female sloth bear has been rescued from the illegal ‘dancing’ bear trade by the state forest department in Jamtara, Jharkhand.
Previously held in captivity and subjected to performance-based exploitation, the bear, estimated to be 10-12 years old, has been relocated to the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), where she is receiving specialised long-term care under Wildlife SOS.
.The sloth bear was rescued in Jamtara district after the Jharkhand Forest Department apprehended a member of the Kalandar community who had been exploiting her for performances.
Upon intervention, the bear was found restrained with a rope and chain, which had caused significant physical and psychological distress.
Following coordination with the authorities, the Wildlife SOS rescue team reached the site and safely secured the bear, now lovingly named Gracie.
.Due to the restraints, the bear had undergone severe physical alterations during captivity.
Her incisors and canines had been forcibly removed, leaving her unable to bite.
She was also found to be suffering from diarrhoea, wounds around the rope restraint area, and blindness in her left eye due to corneal scarring caused by past trauma.
Despite these challenges, she remained relatively calm during the rescue, displaying a subdued and docile temperament.
S Ilayaraja, Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS informed, “Upon arrival at our facility, the bear initially appeared fearful and hesitant.
However, her behaviour soon revealed signs of long-term conditioning –....
