Rescued dancing sloth bears have found joy and a second chance

Dancing Sloth Bears of India are among the most horrifically abused animals in the world. Captured as cubs, they have been used for entertainment in a centuries old practice. Their teeth were knocked out and a hot poker was used to bore a hole through their muzzle. This allowed their handlers to insert a rope that they could pull and twist to cause unspeakable pain to the animals. Trained to stand on their hind legs and move as if dancing, people paid for the performance. In more recent years, tourists paid por the privilege of taking pictures with the bears.

This barbaric practice was outlawed in 1972 but it continued illegally until recently. Poachers continued to shoot these bears to steal the cubs from their mothers. They sold the young bears for exploitation. A life of pain and slavery would be all that these gentle creatures would ever know. Tourists and villagers had no idea of the pain and agony that took place to make these bears submit.

These two bears have found a second chance at life. They live in peace now at WildlifeSOS in Agra, India. A beautiful sanctuary with a dedicated staff and a skilled veterinarian, they provide these sloth bears with all the care and nutrition they need to live a healthy life. They provide large enclosures with natural forest, structures and toys for stimulation, and other bears for socialization. These two bears are actually engaged in play, which is a beautiful sight to behold. Had they not been seized and removed from the life they were living, they would never have had this opportunity for such joy.

WildlifeSOS staff minimize their interaction with the bears and they provide carefully limited access to guests who tour the facility. Guests are educated about the history of the bears and are shown ways to help. Understanding how exploitation of animals takes place is the first step towards prevention of practices that perpetuate the suffering.

WildlifeSOS relies on support from those who wish to donate. Feeding and caring for the bears is not possible without the generosity of others. Please read about the bears at WildlifeSOS.org and learn how you can help.