Agra,20 January 2026 (UTN). A female sloth bear, estimated to be 3-4 years old, has been rescued by the Jharkhand Forest Department after receiving information from the Wildlife Trust of India, near the Jharkhand-West Bengal border. The ursine – rescued from the cruel clutches of the ‘dancing’ bear trade – has found safe refuge under the expert care of Wildlife SOS at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF).
A routine patrolling duty amidst the quiet forests of Sahibganj, near the Jharkhand-West Bengal border, turned out to be very crucial when a field forest officer spotted a bear dancer, along with a sloth bear, and immediately alerted the higher authorities. A forest department team then reached and discovered a distressed female sloth bear, abandoned by her owner who had already escaped the location. Possibly being exploited commercially for the ‘dancing’ trade that uses bears to earn money through entertainment, the bear was found with her muzzle pierced and canines smashed.
When the bear was brought to safety by the forest department, she exhibited an upset stomach. Sensing the immediate need for long-term veterinary assistance the bear was moved to the Agra Bear Rescue Facility under Wildlife SOS’ expert care after acquiring necessary permissions from the Chief Wildlife Wardens of Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. The bear now named ‘Lizzy’ is receiving warm porridge and fruits like watermelon and apples, along with supplements to boost unity and calcium for joint wellbeing. Despite undergoing such trauma, shortly after her arrival, she took a liking to the platform and hammock inside her enclosure.
*Prabal Garg IFS, DFO, Sahibganj, informed*, “The Forest Department is working in coordination with various organisations to effectively address and control such incidents, ensuring that wildlife protection is strictly upheld. Sloth bears are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and any form of such exploitations is a serious legal offence. Alongside enforcement actions, we are also focused on conducting awareness programmes in vulnerable areas to educate communities and discourage the illegal and inhumane practice of keeping these bears.”
*Dr. Ilayaraja S, Deputy Director- Veterinary Services at Wildlife SOS, stated*, “Thankfully, there are currently no visible signs of infection on the muzzle, caused by the rope. Her deworming medication has been initiated and along with a nutritious diet, we are providing her enrichment balls that are used to keep her busy and alert.”
*Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said*, “It is overwhelming to realise that Wildlife SOS started its work 30 years ago with the mission of getting every ‘dancing’ sloth bear off the streets of India and we succeeded in doing so. Seeing an isolated case like this strongly reminds us why we started our work, and remain committed to keeping India free from this cruel and barbaric practice.”
*Baiju Raj M.V, Director- Conservation Projects at Wildlife SOS, said*, “Lizzy is playful in nature and it is no surprise that she has already started developing a good bond with her caregiver. We will now ensure that she receives all the love, warmth and affection, along with the medical help needed for a dignified life.
Shresatha Pachori
Senior Press Officer
Wildlife SOS
Senior Press Officer
Wildlife SOS
