The Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) is a verdant haven for our resident bears. Among them is Millie, who is soaking up the blissful environment with renewed vigour and zest for life. As our Bear of the Month, let’s walk you through the resilient ursine’s rescue story and her life of care at Wildlife SOS.
Millie was rescued in 2021 after forest officials spotted a young sloth bear limping, struggling to navigate the rocky terrains of the Tumkur district in Karnataka. Sharp teeth of a snare trap had caught hold of her right leg, causing this hindrance. The forest department immediately contacted Wildlife SOS to help free the bear from the deadly trap. A team comprising veterinary officials and rescue experts arrived with needed equipment to remove the trap, only to find that it had left a gangrenous wound infected with bacteria on the bear’s leg.
Understanding that she would now need long-term care, two-year-old Millie’s rehabilitation was entrusted to Wildlife SOS’s team at BBRC. The intensity of her physical wound led to the removal of three of her digits. Our veterinarians utilised the technique of fish scale grafting combined with laser therapy to heal her wounds, thus saving her arm from amputation.
Millie’s path to recovery has been marvellous. The constant care and determination of the staff at BBRC transformed the emaciated and dehydrated bear that was unable to walk into one moving around with strength and enthusiasm! Five-year-old Millie is the youngest bear at the centre. She takes confident strides, and even scales the trees in her field.
Observing her fondness for climbing, caregivers began to hang enrichment balls slathered with honey at a height for Millie to get to. Upon reaching the ball, she uses her paws with dexterity to hold on to it so that she can lick off every bit of the delectable spread!
Enrichments perform a key role in stimulating the natural behaviour of sloth bears as they explore their surroundings. Millie’s mornings often begin with her lounging in the hammock installed for her, basking in the sun. She plays with wooden logs in her field, especially those smeared with honey and peanut butter, for a good part of the day.
Before and after her midday snooze, Millie can be seen running around gleefully in her enclosure or climbing trees in search of the bamboo feeder. This particular enrichment has treats like dates and jaggery filled in it. As soon as she finds it, Millie takes up an ideal position to suck out all the yummy treats!
Millie’s daily diet has been meticulously planned to ensure she receives ample nourishment. The nutritious porridge she receives twice a day is enhanced with liver supplements to aid in better hepatic function. But the caregiving team is well aware of what Millie just can’t resist during the hot summer season — the sweet and succulent watermelon! The sprightly ursine makes a sprint to eat the chunky, juicy slices of her favourite fruit.
Over time, Millie has developed an endearing bond with her own caregiver. She is pampered with constant care and affection, which deepens her trust in him. Millie recognises her caregiver’s voice and perks up when he calls out her name. However, she pretends to be uninterested, showing him that she is seemingly busy with her ongoing activity… a mischievous trick her caregiver is well aware of! Her playful interactions with her enclosure mate Sagar are also a joy to watch. It is her infectious energy that always invites Sagar to be a part of her adventures of the day!
Millie’s shining, youthful spirit has inspired and reminded many to live life with endless enthusiasm. The various wonderful bonds that Millie has formed in her nurturing environment at the sanctuary have been catalysts for her in overcoming trauma from a life-changing incident. Wildlife SOS is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment to rescued sloth bears, and we welcome you to join us in our mission. By making a contribution, you can help us provide our resident sloth bears with a fulfilling life that they deserve.
