Bear Of The Month – Lallu Master

July 20, 2021 | By Mahima Sharma
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Having lived his life constrained to a small space for years, today, Lallu Master loves exploring the different corners of his free-ranging field. At the time of his rescue in 2003, he was suffering from several mental and physical wounds. His Kalandar masters fed him only what they could afford and the compromised nutrition took a toll on his vital parameters. Lallu’s distorted muzzle still holds scars to his past life but his compromised psychological health is what highlights the aftermath.

Lallu Master is the explorer of his field and loves to forage each corner.
Lallu Master is the explorer of his field and loves to forage each corner. [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Shresatha Pachori]

Within a few weeks of his arrival at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, the bear care staff learnt that Lallu Master’s psychological health stood at sensitive crossroads. He would constantly pace around his field, he would get startled at the slightest sound even if it were just the monkeys prancing about! He would also get extremely uncomfortable and anxious while interacting with other bears.  Even today, Lallu Master prefers to reside alone, and avoids interacting with the bears in the neighbouring enclosures.

One can spot Lallu sniffing out ants from fallen logs of trees.
One can spot Lallu sniffing out ants from fallen logs of trees. [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Shresatha Pachori]

His field is filled with various enrichments ranging from an enrichment ball to elevated platforms, which he seldom climbs. His caregivers have also installed an air cooler in his den which helps regulate the temperature during the night so he can rest comfortably.

His caregiver pastes honey on tree barks, which is an all-time favourite for our bears!
His caregiver pastes honey on tree barks, which is an all-time favourite for our bears! [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Shresatha Pachori]

Lallu Master (Lallu for short) is nearly 21 years of age and is placed under our geriatric care plan for bears his age, who require special attention. His caregiver is particular about his supplements and medication, and will always coordinate with the veterinary team to update them about his health. Lallu is currently on liver and kidney hector-protectant syrups and joint supplement medication along with calcium supplements, which are combined with his morning porridge.

Lallu gives a whole new meaning to Tongue Out Tuesdays, doesn't he?
Lallu gives a whole new meaning to Tongue Out Tuesdays, doesn’t he? [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Shresatha Pachori]

Lallu walks slowly around his field and is particular about the timings for his fruit platter and porridge. His fruit platter presently contains hydrating fruits such as watermelons, papayas, grapes, pomegranates and mangoes! Lalu aces the art of multi-tasking, or shall we call multi-munching, as he devours the platter in a matter of minutes! His caregiver is left bemused and stifles a giggle every time that he watches Lallu do this.

Lallu's arthritic limbs do not allow him to climb trees but he manages to reach out to the nearest branch
Lallu’s arthritic limbs do not allow him to climb trees but he manages to reach out to the nearest branch. [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Shresatha Pachori]

The most favourite part of Lallu’s day is the time he spends in the pool. The pools in our bears’ enclosures are regularly cleaned and sanitized by the bear care staff in order to ensure that the resident sloth bears remain protected from infections. The pools are filled with cool water and on sunny days, our bears can be spotted delightfully splashing about in the water. Watching Lallu enjoying a good, relaxing soak in his pool  fills our hearts with joy and reassurance as he continues to heal  from the daunting memories of his past.

When not in his pool, he loves to walk around his pool
When not in his pool, he loves to walk around his pool. [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Shresatha Pachori]

His experience as a dancing bear instilled an inherent fear of humans in him, thus making him run in the stark opposite direction wherever he spots an unfamiliar face. Lallu will allows his caregiver to approach him from  a safe distance but will often even run away from him, if he feels anxious. To prioritise Lallu’s comfort, we ensure that his caregiver remains the same, as he is well versed with his traits and inhibitions.

In spite of his fear and anxiety in seeing humans, Lallu has shown immense strength all these years
In spite of his fear and anxiety in seeing humans, Lallu has shown immense strength all these years. [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Shresatha Pachori]

The healthy diet and the love and care that Lallu Master has been given at Wildlife SOS has helped him transform from a weak, emaciated bear weighing merely 70 kgs to a healthy, active bear who presently weighs 105 kgs. You can play an important role in supporting Lalu Master’s journey with us at Wildlife SOS by considering becoming a monthly donor or sponsor for his ongoing care and treatment.

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