She was alone, injured and easy prey in a tiger reserve buffer zone. Now a five-month-old sloth bear cub named Luna is recovering after a rescue in Madhya Pradesh, India.
The female cub was found abandoned in the buffer zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Bandhavgarh National Park in north-east India by members of the state Forest Department. Officials found her in a weakened condition and identified that she was severely dehydrated, anaemic and underweight.
She was also unable to walk properly because of an injury to her left hind leg.
Officials transported the cub to Wildlife SOS’s Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility in Bhopal, where she was named Luna.
“When an injured cub is left alone in the wild, every passing hour is critical,” Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said in a statement.
“Luna’s rescue demonstrates what is possible when prompt action, veterinary expertise, and close collaboration with the forest department come together,” he said.
“Every successful rescue reinforces our commitment to protecting India’s wildlife and ensuring that animals in distress receive the urgent care they need.”
Wildlife SOS said Luna is now under expert veterinary care for an old hairline fracture near her left hip, which indicates she had suffered significant trauma before her rescue, believed to be from a fall in the wild.
The cub also had a wound on one of the toes on her left paw, a damaged claw and an ulcer on the footpad, which made it hard for her to walk. Wildlife SOS said the wound is being cleaned and dressed regularly, and that she is responding well to care.
“With age on her side, the cub has shown encouraging signs of healing,” an update on Wildlife SOS’s website reads.
“Although naturally wary of people, she is beginning to form a trusting bond with her caregiver, who brings to her lots of honey-laden treats!”
A press release from Wildlife SOS said Luna is now eating well, gaining weight and “gradually regaining her playful nature.”
“Young wild animals deserve the chance to heal in a safe and nurturing environment,” Geeta Seshamani, co-founder and secretary of Wildlife SOS, said in a statement.
“It is heartening to see Luna gradually regain her confidence and playful spirit, reminding us why every rescue matters.”
Sloth bears, also known as Indian bears, are native to India and feed on fruits, ants and termites. The species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List because of habitat loss and degradation.
It is unclear if Luna will be released back into the wild, but veterinarians are optimistic she will make a full recovery.
“Ensuring the survival of this young cub was our foremost priority,” Shri Vijay Kumar, IFS director at Van Vihar National Park, said.
“The Van Vihar veterinarians are jointly working with Wildlife SOS expert veterinary team at Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility [to provide] the specialized treatment and long-term rehabilitation for the bear cub. We look forward to seeing her make a full recovery.”
Read more from GoodGoodGood.
