On the 1st of June 2024, Wildlife SOS welcomed members of the Rotary E-club Innovation UK D1080 and Rotary Bangalore West for the very first time at the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC). Our esteemed guests arrived with an eagerness to learn about the organisation’s rescue, rehabilitation and wildlife conservation efforts.
The rescue centre is located amidst Bannerghatta National Park’s mesmerising landscape, and the journey towards it proved to be a highly enriching time for the visiting members as it entailed spotting the diverse species found here. Soon after reaching the venue, a presentation was held on the ‘Dancing’ Bear Project, emphasising the exploitative nature of the age-old practice. The Rotary E-club members commended Wildlife SOS’s initiatives in rehabilitating the bears as well as the Kalandar community that relied on the cruel practice for their livelihoods.
As the guests took a tour of our centre, they were informed about stereotypic behaviours that rescued sloth bears were found with due to the impact of harsh neglect they experienced in captivity. They were keen to know more about the various enrichments we provided for the bears to help them overcome their trauma and enhance their well-being. A stop at the bear kitchen showcased the nutritious porridge meals being prepared for the bears by dedicated caregivers, who make sure to comply with the diet chart prepared for individual bears. Additionally, a glimpse into the in-house mealworm unit made the group aware of the nutritional value that these insects offer to the resident sloth bears. Another highlight of the tour involved apprising the group about eco-friendly practices being followed at BBRC. Instead of using gas cylinders or wood, the bear food in the kitchen is cooked using briquette stocks that are made up of vegetable waste, haystack and saw dust.
Dr. Arshvarinder Singh Virk, Veterinary Officer with Wildlife SOS, answered all queries raised by the visiting group about the importance of veterinary care for rescued animals. The riveting discussion not only involved the welfare of sloth bears, but also included Wildlife SOS’s rescue and rehabilitation of elephants at Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) and Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC), and leopards at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC).
As a thoughtful move, the Rotary E-club Innovation Club from the UK, under the leadership of President Rtn. Lina Souki-Schmidt, generously presented BBRC with a thermal imaging camera to further the organisation’s efforts towards wildlife care and conservation. This initiative was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Rtn. Nagjyoti Bollapragada, who coordinated with the UK group to bring this visit to fruition. Dr. Arshvarinder, on behalf of Wildlife SOS, expressed deep gratitude to the visiting team for providing us with the sophisticated camera. He elaborated on how the thermal camera will be useful for key operations such as fever screening, injury, pain or inflammation discovery, dermatology, and scientific research.
The Rotary Bangalore West members, under the leadership of President Rtn. Sharath S Namburi and Rtn. V. R. Ramesh, initiated an annual sponsorship for two resident sloth bears, Odum and Millie. This remarkable initiative would not have been possible without the decisive efforts of Mr. Ramesh. While touring BBRC, the members of his team learned about the traumatic past that Odum and Millie had endured in the ‘dancing’ bear trade.They were familiarised with the treatments and care they have been receiving at the centre to sustain their well-being. Witnessing the two resilient bears as they heard about their painful stories instigated the team to come forward and support their upkeep, for which Wildlife SOS is immensely grateful.
Both the attending groups were deeply impressed by the impactful work that Wildlife SOS does. The on-field experience definitely left a lasting impression on each, motivating the members to return to BBRC and indulge in volunteering activities in the future. The visit of Rotary groups to our centre underscores the importance of support, engagement and collaboration in protecting and preserving wildlife for generations to come.
Wildlife SOS wholeheartedly thanks its valuable supporters for helping us stand firm in our mission towards wildlife conservation. If you’re eager to visit Wildlife SOS rescue centres in India, please contact us at visit@wildlifesos.org!
