Arthur
Year of arrival: 2019
Age at the time of arrival: Approximately 10 years old
Sex: Male
Personality traits: Calm but playful
Facility: Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF)
Favourite food: Honey-laced porridge, dates and watermelon
Favourite activities: Running around the field and playing with enrichments
Background: The Jharkhand Forest Department and police officials rescued five sloth bears near the Indo-Nepal border, based on information provided by the Wildlife SOS anti-poaching unit, Forest Watch. This group of bears consisted of two adults, one of whom was Arthur. Arthur, along with the four other bears, were rehabilitated to the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, where a new life awaited them. | READ MORE ABOUT ARTHUR
ARTHUR’S STORY
In November 2019, the Wildlife SOS anti-poaching unit Forest Watch received intelligence that a group of wildlife traffickers were hiding with five sloth bears in a remote forested area near the Indo-Nepal border. Based on this, the traffickers were nabbed by the Jharkhand Forest Department and police officials. All the five bears, including Arthur, had their teeth smashed and their muzzles pierced so that they could be used for street performances. But timely intervention helped the bears escape a lifetime of torture and they were eventually transferred to the Wildlife SOS Agra Bear Rescue Facility.
The bears were named after the Weasley family from the famous Harry Potter series. Upon his arrival, Arthur was first placed under quarantine for detailed medical examination and screening. After this, he was introduced to his field, where he gradually adjusted to his new environment. The shy yet friendly bear actively engages with enrichments in his enclosure, and climbs on his hammock for relaxing naps.