The Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) is a lush, secure home for many sloth bears that have endured unthinkable hardships, starting from human-animal conflict to the cruel ‘dancing’ bear practice. Among them is Tate, a sloth bear that once led a painful life as a dancing bear, but is now receiving compassionate care.
Tate was taken into captivity in Tamil Nadu when he was still a cub. His muzzle was pierced to attach a controlling rope that was pulled to make him perform on the streets. The torture he endured resulted in a visible scar on his snout. After years of abuse, Tate was finally rescued with the help of the forest department at the age of six and brought to Wildlife SOS’s BBRC in 2010. Tate’s healing exemplifies the transformative power of kindness and rehabilitation. Safely distanced from a life of misery and exploitation, Tate embraced his new identity at BBRC as a strong and resilient bear.
Now 21 years old, Tate is in the geriatric phase of his life, and his health is being closely monitored by our team. When he came to us at a young age, he was diagnosed with kidney insufficiency, where his kidneys were unable to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood effectively. He has therefore been on a course of kidney supplements as part of his care. To support his overall well-being, his diet is enriched with multivitamins as well as pre- and probiotic supplements prescribed by our expert veterinarians.
Despite his age, Tate is a pretty active bear. His caregivers make sure that he receives all that he needs to keep him content. Tate begins and ends his days with his favourite ragi (finger millet) and jowar (sorghum) porridge, a warm, nourishing meal that keeps him energised without putting too much strain on his digestive system. He has also shown a great liking towards peanut butter and patiently licks it off his enrichments that are lathered with it!
Here’s a fun fact: Tate is the very first sloth bear you’ll spot when you enter the BBRC! His enclosure is right by the entrance. This is why caregivers fondly refer to him as a gentle gatekeeper of the centre! He can be seen sitting on an old tyre, which once used to be his most sought after enrichment, to give a friendly welcome to visitors.
His enclosure remains equipped with thoughtfully designed enrichments that encourage both mental focus and physical activity. Watching him explore wooden logs that he often climbs on, playing with his enrichment balls and puzzle feeders that challenge his mind, or taking a nap on his swinging hammock are sights that are sure to instantly win your heart!
Summers can be pretty harsh in Karnataka, but Tate has found his own ways to stay cool. He heads to the shaded corners of his enclosure to escape the sun, or enjoys leisurely dips in his water pond to beat the heat. And when rain falls to interrupt a hot day, Tate rushes to curl up inside a muddy pit that he digs and keeps ready for himself!
One of the most adorable aspects of Tate’s life is his beautiful friendship with Deva, another rescued sloth bear who also shares Tate’s enclosure. The two have formed a strong bond and can often be seen playing together. Both Tate and Deva make sure that they keep each other active as they run, roll, and engage in fun-filled antics.
Tate’s liveliness and strength scripts the story of a life shaped by pain but has switched to one filled with calmness, love and care. This mirrors what we hope for rescued bears at Wildlife SOS: a second chance at life filled with comfort, respect, and peace.
Tate’s remarkable journey since his rescue inspires us to continue our conservation efforts towards wildlife rehabilitation. Wildlife SOS is working tirelessly to protect and nurture voiceless animals and aims to spread awareness and understanding amongst people. Tate got a chance to receive the care and affection that he deserves as part of our goal to help animals in distress. You too can help us sustain the well-being of rescued bears like Tate by making a donation.
Feature image © Hemanta Bijoy Chakma
