Meet Fancy, an Asiatic black bear that has been a delightful resident of the Wildlife SOS’s Dachigam Rescue Centre ever since she was rescued as a cub in 2007. Known for having a tranquil nature and being highly photogenic, Fancy continues to charm everyone who sees her at the centre!
Fancy was discovered along with her sibling, Rozy, in a botanical garden by members of the Department of Horticulture. The cubs were barely a week old, and efforts were made for over three days to reunite them with their mother. Sadly, she could not be located, which left the two baby bears in desperate need of attention. The Wildlife SOS team took up the responsibility to ensure the safety and care of the cubs with great sensitivity, and today, 17 years later, the two have grown to become healthy and confident bears. The graceful sisters continue to explore the picturesque environment of the rescue centre that is located at the foothills of the Dachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir. Fancy shares her spacious field with Rozy, and another rescued female bear, Julie. Despite the differences in their personalities, the three bears coexist harmoniously. Fancy’s calm and composed demeanour often balances Rozy’s theatrics, while Julie, the youngest among them, adds a notorious touch to the group. From mock play-fights to closely following each other, they truly are the best of friends!
One of Fancy’s favourite activities at the Dachigam Rescue Centre is to lounge in the pool, where she is often accompanied by her most beloved fruit: apples. She has a unique way of eating them — she takes small bites of each rather than gulping all of them down at once! This habit of nibbling and savouring juicy fruits showcases Fancy’s gentle nature.
As a fun addition to her enclosure, caregivers at the centre have included gunny bags as enrichments, and Fancy loves to carry and play with them in the water. She strolls across her large and lush environment, and often stops to arrange dry grass under a chosen tree. After crafting her own cosy resting spot, Fancy leans against the tree’s trunk to take a pleasant nap.
Fancy’s day usually begins with the morning exercise of finding dates that are scattered across her enclosure by her caregivers. This happy hunt is followed by a breakfast of rotis (flatbreads) that are made with a special mix of flour and honey. Fresh fruits, particularly apples and watermelons, are a midday treat, while dinner consists of a nutritious dalia (cracked wheat) prepared with jaggery and milk. Fancy enjoys eggs, peanuts, and coconuts that are offered to her, all of which contribute to her shiny and dense coat.
During the winter, Fancy’s care routine includes additional measures to keep her comfortable. Her dens are insulated with hay, and she often builds her own resting areas within the enclosure using dry grass. While the weather becomes extremely cold in this season, Fancy remains active with her two companions through the day.
Fancy’s friendly and cooperative nature makes her an endearing bear for her caregivers and the medical team. They diligently keep track of her health so that symptoms of any condition can be timely addressed. To help them conduct smooth and safe health check-ups, Fancy undergoes target training sessions that include positive reinforcements for motivation. She is well-versed with the responses to cues given during these sessions, such as presenting her limb when prompted, which would assist the team to carry out a blood test, if and when needed. Fancy eagerly awaits the delicious treats she then receives as rewards!
Fancy’s elegance makes her an exceptional presence at the centre. From her merry moments in the pool to her love for apples, Fancy beautifully expresses the joy she experiences. Her journey of growing up at our centre reminds us of the incredible lives rescued animals can lead with the right support.To help sustain Fancy’s care and well-being, you can consider becoming a monthly donor.
