Wildlife SOS has conducted several rescue operations of distressed animals, including leopards, elephants, and sloth bears, and have provided them rehabilitative care. One of our four centres for bears is Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), and it houses nearly 100 sloth bears that were saved from poaching, the ‘dancing’ bear trade or from human-wildlife conflict situations. Anthropogenic activities that take place in a forested zone leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, which is the main reason for human-wildlife conflict.
Sloth bears have been primarily poached for two cruel reasons: One being that their body parts are used in alternative medicine, and the other was for entertainment purposes in the ‘dancing’ bear trade. The latter could have been Ron’s fate if he wasn’t rescued in the nick of time.
This month, we look back at how Ron’s life took a fortunate turn when he was freed from the clasp of illegal trafficking.
Ron was approximately two years old when our team rescued him along with four other sloth bears during an anti-poaching operation conducted near the Indo-Nepal border in 2019. This operation was led by the forest department and the police authorities, based on information provided by Wildlife SOS’ anti-poaching squad ‘Forest Watch’.
All five bears arrived at ABRF and were closely examined. The teeth of these bears had been smashed using metal rods, and each of these bears had disfigured muzzles so that a rope could be inserted through them. Ron was the youngest among the bears rescued. Given the trauma he had faced, Ron was initially wary of the new environment he found himself in. However, with appropriate medical attention and care, Ron was quick to adapt to his surroundings that closely resembled his natural home.
A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed!
The bears rescued with Ron were Molly, Charlie, Ginny and Arthur. As you may have guessed by now, they were all named after the Weasley family from the famous Harry Potter series. Ron was closest to Ginny and Charlie, but their unfortunate demise due to liver cancer left a huge impact on Ron and their caregivers. Our team was dedicated to revive Ron’s childhood energy after this loss, and provided him with several positive conditioning sessions that involved interesting activities and tasty treats. Today, Ron shares a unique and heartwarming companionship with another Weasley bear — Molly!
At approximately six years of age now, Ron is the youngest of all bears at ABRF. He shares his enclosure with Molly, who happens to be older than him by eight years. Ron is most active and extremely comfortable in Molly’s company. Just like how challenging situations bring human beings together, Molly and Ron share a protective bond with each other. Their friendship shines bright at the centre when they engage in playtime together around their enclosure.
The two also display their inherent skills of digging pits all across their enclosure! Once they are done with morning activities, both Ron and Molly head to take their naps in the afternoons, when the sun is at its peak. This makes for a perfect time for them to snooze in their personal hammocks or under a tree’s shade!
Food and Fun Enrichments!
As part of his routine, Ron receives porridge thrice every day, and he devours the first fresh bowl of this nutritious meal just as the day begins. He is also given some boiled vegetables and eggs then. Ron also likes to munch on the many seasonal fruits such as watermelons, papayas, and sun melons. He can often be seen tossing and catching the watermelons with enjoyment!
Immediately after Ron and Molly are done with their morning meal, they head towards the different instalments present in their enclosure that include enrichment balls hanging from logs or the trees, bamboo logs, as well as their hammocks. These are made by caregivers for all bears to suit their individual needs. Not only do these enrichments encourage physical exercise for bears, but they also stimulate their minds and ensure their wellbeing.
Lunch time rings its bell for Ron as he hurries over to fill his stomach with delicious porridge once again. Soon after he finishes his meal, a target training session is held for him. Target training is conducted to encourage our bears to cooperate during regular medical examinations so that the safety of both the animal and the veterinarians is ensured. These sessions work on the principle of positive reinforcement, which means that all the sloth bears get rewarded with edible treats when they respond with actions in the desired manner. Ron responds very well to target training and is motivated by treats of watermelons and papayas. Ron also relishes different food items that are offered to him, like coconuts, honey, jaggery, and jaggery puffed rice that are shaped like laddus (an Indian sweet).
Ron’s Veterinary Care
Currently, Ron is being provided with supplements for his liver, which includes a syrup once a day. He also receives a regular course of Vitamin A, B, C, D and E for his upkeep. The caregivers at the centre work closely with the veterinarians as any change in the behaviour of sloth bears or their health has to be informed to the medical staff. According to these updates provided by the caregivers, a diet plan and treatment course is charted out or modified for each sloth bear.
Ron’s cheerful behaviour is infectious and has rubbed off on Molly as well! To witness the two being strong support systems for each other is a rewarding experience for us at Wildlife SOS. You too can contribute towards the ongoing care of radiant Ron by becoming his sponsor.
