Beneath the canopy of trees that surrounds the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), lies a furball of energy actively digging around, looking for ants and termites. After lapping up fistfulls of them, she goes around to look for juicy watermelons and papayas that her caregiver brings for her. Food, however, is not the only element in her field that keeps her occupied. Molly indulges in daily antics alongside her enclosure mate and best companion, Ron.
The lively and boundless energy that Molly exhibits never ceases to amaze our caregivers and veterinarians. She has come a long way since the day she was rescued in an anti-poaching operation that unravelled in 2019. With an efficient collaboration between the Forest Department and Wildlife SOS’s anti-poaching unit Forest Watch, Molly along with four other bears namely Arthur, Ginny, Charlie and Ron were found near the Indo-Nepal border. They were brought to ARBF, which became the safe and forever home for Molly and the rest.
A visible, long wound from a brutal piercing marked the right side of her muzzle, a haunting reminder of the cruelty that she endured. Molly, along with her peers she was rescued with, was subjected to torture when her teeth were smashed and a rope was passed through a hole that was made in her snout from a hot iron rod. In her initial days at ABRF, Molly was an extremely shy bear, adjusting slowly to her new environment and the presence of her human caregivers. She appeared visibly frightened and would frequently skip meals altogether. When her eyes caught sight of the broom, a tool that our caregivers use daily to clean the resting dens, Molly would become overwhelmed with fear as she associated the broom with past experiences of mistreatment.
Molly’s reactions served as a poignant reminder of the emotional scars that animals carry, highlighting the sensitivity with which their care and rehabilitation needs to be carried out.
In the five years that she has been with Wildlife SOS, our caregivers have noticed how Molly has significantly changed as compared to her early days at the rescue facility.
The 15-year-old is a healthy, active bear and if compared to her younger friend Ron, is the first to finish her porridge. She absolutely relishes apples, watermelons, and mangoes! These delectable treats are like irresistible gems to her, sparking joy with every juicy bite.
Molly exhibits a vibrant personality, which stands out in comparison to most sloth bears who typically spend a significant amount of their daytime resting. Molly is always found engrossed in different activities in her enclosure, most of which involve the playful company of Ron.
Molly loves to climb up the various trees in her enclosure, and Ron is always quick to follow her lead. In addition to this, elevated platforms have been placed in her enclosure to encourage climbing and boost bone mobility as she transitions into the geriatric phase of her life.
Along with platforms, she also engages with the innovative enrichments that have been spread around her enclosure — a positive indicator of a healthy bear. She loves to lick honey splattered on enrichment logs and entertains herself with swinging platforms and rolling drums.
She is often seen around the wooden logs that are filled with dates and coconut. The tempting treats have Molly clawing the logs for hours together, till all the treats hidden inside are finally in her mouth!
Molly loves to rest in the open areas of her enclosure, especially in the winter months when she’s frequently seen basking in the sun. When the summer months take a grip of the rescue facility, she digs out mud beds for herself to sit comfortably within them. Refreshing gusts from the air coolers present in her resting den also offers a cool break. But her absolute favourite activity on a hot day is to get inside the pool in her enclosure, where she can be seen taking joyful baths.
Molly shares a beautiful bond with her devoted caregiver. As soon as she hears him call out her name, she trots to her feeding cubicle, eagerly anticipating her porridge. During her regular sessions of operant conditioning, Molly’s positive responses highlight the deep trust that she has developed in the humane care given by her caregiver.
Molly’s high-spirited and upbeat nature evokes admiration and adoration of caregivers. Her infectious zest for life fills everyone at ABRF with immense joy. It reassures our team that constant care and love can help traumatised bears like Molly find the spark in life again. You too can be a part of Molly’s incredible healing journey by becoming a monthly donor with Wildlife SOS.
