Elvis
Year of arrival: 2015
Age at the time of arrival: 2 months old
Sex: Male
Personality traits: Jovial, extroverted, playful
Facility: Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF)
Favourite food: Watermelons, porridge, dates and coconuts
Favourite activities: Climbing trees
Background: Elvis was rescued as a two-month-old cub just when he was about to be smuggled by poachers. At Agra Bear Rescue Facility, he was hand-reared by our expert caregivers, and his initial apprehension was soon replaced with playfulness and fresh energy. Elvis has grown up to become a jovial and extremely social bear, along with being the most mischievous one at the centre! He loves climbing trees, and the only way to have him back on the ground is by bringing in his favourite treats – fruit and honey! | READ MORE ABOUT ELVIS
ELVIS' STORY
Elvis is one of the most lovable and friendly sloth bears at the Wildlife SOS Agra Bear Rescue Facility. His life today is a stark contrast to what it could have been had he not been rescued in 2015. Elvis was only a couple of months old when poachers snatched him away from his mother, possibly killing her in the process. His delicate nose had been brutally pierced with a red hot iron poker, and his teeth had been shattered. These indicated that he was being prepared to be sold as a ‘dancing’ bear in Nepal, where this cruel practice still persists.
Weak, dehydrated and emaciated was how the cub was found when he was rescued. The trauma of being forcefully separated from his mother and possibly even a sibling, and the excruciating pain inflicted upon him by his poachers had taken a severe toll on little Elvis, leaving him with emotional scars. When he first arrived at the centre, Elvis would shiver with fright and would cower in a corner, because his unfortunate experience made him associate people with pain. Our veterinarians and caregivers would speak to him gently, and coax him into eating his meals, in an attempt to calm him down. Over time, Elvis realised that our team members posed no threat to him, and he developed a strong bond of trust with his caregiver.
Elvis is an active and playful bear, and is not picky when it comes to food. He enjoys porridge mixed with honey as much as the chopped watermelons, dates or coconuts he receives!