BINTHA’S RESCUE STORY
Bintha was just over a year old when she and her sibling Bean were rescued by Wildlife SOS’s anti-poaching unit Forest Watch from being illegally traded near the Indo-Nepal border. The young cubs had experienced unimaginable trauma when their tender muzzles were pierced by captors through which tugging ropes could be passed, a brutal precursor to their future as ‘dancing’ bears. At the time of rescue, Bintha was found severely dehydrated and malnourished with dry skin and a rough coat of fur. She displayed stereotypic behaviour noticed in her aggressive head bobbing and swaying of the body.
The veterinarians and staff at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility dedicated themselves to Bintha’s care, which helped her gradually recover from the mental and physical trauma she had undergone. Bintha has grown up to be a healthy and active bear. While she enjoys playing with her enclosure mates Mowgli and Mandro, she likes to devote time to indulge in solo pursuits as well. She uses her paw dexterously to dig holes in her enclosure and gets excited to explore every new enrichment that her caregiver instals.
Bintha enthusiastically engages with enrichments in her field, especially the ones that are stuffed with dates and coated in honey. To sustain her overall well-being, Bintha receives multivitamin supplements that are mixed with the nutritious meals of porridge she receives. While she devours her daily meals, the cheerful sloth bear shows a strong fondness for juicy, ripe watermelons!
