If you ever thought bears just laze around in the forest sleepily or snooze under the shades of thick trees, allow us to introduce you to Gambir: a sloth bear so clever, sweet-natured, and endearing that he might just climb his way into your heart! And why not, since climbing happens to be one of his favourite pastimes. But more on that in a moment.
At first glance, Gambir might seem like an average sloth bear. Thick and shiny black coat, a snout perfect for sniffing out treats, and a gentle gait that complies with his age that is closing in on 18. He exudes a calm, almost philosophical air that reminds us exactly why the sloth bear Jambavan was crowned as the King of the Bears in Hindu mythology. But it just takes minutes for Gambir to break the assumed persona of quietude with his extraordinary playfulness! He’s an explorer, a pool-loving popsicle-chaser, a dear friend to bear Digit, and above all, an endearing member of Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF).
Gambir led a cruel life in the state of Bihar, where he was forced into the archaic practice of bear dancing. At the tender age of just over three, he had already endured immense pain and trauma. Like many sloth bears used in street performances, Gambir was taken from the wild as a cub, separated from his mother, and subjected to harsh training that involved painful methods to subdue the bear. A thick rope was passed through his muzzle that was pierced, and was used to control him with tugs, the agony of which compelled him to stand and ‘dance’. For many sloth bears, life dictated by a rope was once all they ever knew.
Thankfully in 2011, a new and hopeful chapter opened up in Gambir’s life. He was rescued by the dedicated team at Wildlife SOS and was brought to the ABRF, a haven for bears that have suffered similar tragic fates. Gambir was three-and-a-half years old at the time, and he welcomed this change with a cheerful and captivating nature that instantly won our hearts.
Having been under our dedicated care for more than a decade, Gambir lives a hearty life at ABRF. Though age has added a touch of slowness to his routine, his spirit remains that of a curious cub.
As we had earlier mentioned, one mustn’t be fooled by his seemingly composed temperament! Gambir is a highly wise yet clever bear, especially during his target training sessions. These sessions are conducted to ease the process of routine medical examinations for both sloth bears and veterinarians. Gambir is quick to pick up the cues and responds to each with accuracy — outsmarting the expectations of his caregivers. He is therefore celebrated as being the ‘Star Bear of ABRF’! The incentive of receiving delicious treats as rewards keeps Gambir motivated to respond. His intelligence also shines through when he surveys new forms of enrichments that are designed to stimulate the natural and wild instincts of sloth bears.
Speaking of enrichments, Gambir has a few favourites that continue to keep him engaged and fascinated. His enclosure boasts a plethora of them such as a rotating bamboo feeder, a barrel feeder, and a special dates feeder that dispenses his beloved sweet treats. But what really gets this bear’s heart racing? It’s the pool!
Gambir’s pool is not just a place to cool off — it’s his personal popsicle pond. As part of Wildlife SOS’s summer management programme for our dear bears, a bunch of juicy fruits poured with honey that are frozen together to form a popsicle. For Gambir, these fruit popsicles and honey-scented treats accompany him in the pool! Here, he is encouraged to splash around while also staying hydrated with the icy edibles in the heat. Each time he fishes out his popsicle to suck out the fruits, his eyes can be seen twinkling!
Gambir has successfully expressed his taste preferences to his caregivers. While his daily diet includes nutritious multigrain millet porridge, the fruit served in the afternoons are fixed as a bowl full of watermelons, sun melons, and mangoes that he happily munches on.
To cater to his sweet tooth as per the season, Gambir is offered papayas, grapes,and dates, which often find themselves as hidden treats in his enrichments as well. Coconut and jaggery are also top contenders for the bear list of ‘gourmet delights’. Watching him savour these is like watching a food critic sample the finest amuse-bouche — only with much more enthusiastic snuffling!
Gambir shares his enclosure with Digit and Valmiki, and the trio has formed a peaceful bond. Digit, in particular, is Gambir’s special playmate. Whether it’s exploring new enrichments, investigating a new scent, or a game of tag, the two spend joyful times together.
Despite the years he holds, Gambir is surprisingly sprightly. He still loves to climb, often perching himself on platforms to survey his lush enclosure or spy on his caregivers to see if they are on their way to bring him some delicious treats!
Gambir is more than just another bear at ABRF. He represents what compassion, patience, and consistent care can achieve. He made his way into our hearts and has secured a permanent place there. We’re sure that after witnessing this delightful bear, he’ll find a place in your heart as well. To help Gambir and other bears suffering from similar fates— consider donating for their cause and become a part of their happily-ever-after story!
Feature image: Atharva Pacharne/ Wildlife SOS
