At Wildlife SOS, our journey with rescued sloth bears has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. In the early days of our work, little was known about the elusive sloth bear, but as we encountered various ailments and conditions in rehabilitated bears, our veterinary practices evolved, driven by research and a deep commitment to their well-being. Our team has continually refined its methods and expanded its knowledge through both professional studies and hands-on experience. Each rescued bear brought a unique story of abuse and resilience, often accompanied by severe physical and psychological trauma. Gaining and acquiring veterinary expertise over time, and with the help of state-of-the-art medical gear, we have addressed and treated some of the most complex issues that rescued sloth bears encounter.
Dental Issues
Sloth bears rescued by Wildlife SOS often arrive with severe dental damage, a consequence of years in captivity and improper diets. Many bears rescued as ‘dancing’ bears from the Kalandars have had their canines crudely smashed, often to prevent bite injuries but sometimes for additional monetary gain too, as the teeth were sold as talismans or amulets. The brutal practice of forcing these bears to “dance” typically involved pulling out or breaking their teeth with crude tools, resulting in infections, abscesses, and decayed or broken teeth. This caused immense pain and difficulty for the bears, especially while eating. The lack of proper care and the absence of anaesthesia during these procedures led to various painful oro-dental disorders, including dental caries (tooth decay cavities), periapical abscesses (infected tooth roots), and overgrown gums or tissue lesions. To address these issues, our veterinary team developed specialised techniques for dental care that cover root canal treatments and surgical procedures so that these bears can eat comfortably and live healthier lives.
Diseases
Improper care, unhygienic living conditions, and severe stress under the Kalandars’ custody severely compromised the sloth bears’ immunity, making them highly susceptible to various infectious and non-infectious diseases. Close proximity to humans and exposure to infected domesticated animals further facilitated the transmission of diseases such as tuberculosis, infectious canine hepatitis and rabies. Often contracted due to the poor sanitation in their former captive environments, these maladies necessitate rigorous testing, quarantine protocols, and specific treatments. Over time, we’ve streamlined our disease management strategies, incorporating advanced diagnostic tools and regimens to better care for these vulnerable animals.
Osteoarthritis and Joint Issues
Old age, poor nutrition during early life, and the harsh conditions of being forced to perform in unnatural positions have led to the development of various degenerative joint diseases, such as arthritis in rescued sloth bears. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects joints in the body, and osteoarthritis is particularly common among the bears saved from captivity. This condition is caused by the wear and tear of cartilage that cushions the joints, exacerbated by the daily stresses of malnutrition, frequent beatings, and standing on their hindlimbs. These factors put immense strain on the coxofemoral (hip) joint, a ball-and-socket joint that connects the femur to the pelvis, where pressure builds up as they are made to stand and “dance” for extended periods. Degenerative joint disease can severely impair mobility and diminish quality of life. To address these issues, our team has implemented a range of interventions, including physical therapy for pain management with the help of laser therapy and provision of necessary supplements, to alleviate symptoms and improve the bears’ mobility.
Tumours
While not very common, the most prevalent tumours seen in sloth bears rescued from captivity are hepatic neoplasms that occur in the liver and bile duct. While cholangiocellular carcinoma (bile duct cancer) can present itself in bears of any age, older bears are more susceptible to diseases that strike the liver. To detect and provide early diagnosis, an in-depth study conducted by Wildlife SOS’s veterinary experts explains how ultrasonography, visible external symptoms and hemato-biochemical (blood) profile aids in prescribing appropriate treatment. This approach has generated awareness among scientists of evolutionary biology and oncology, creating a foundation for further studies on how to treat and prevent cancer in bears.
Visual Impairment
Visual impairment is a common issue in rescued sloth bears, often caused by trauma, neglect, or inadequate care. During their time as ‘dancing’ bears, their muzzles were pierced to insert ropes, which, when tugged, often rubbed against their eyes, leading to corneal ulceration and severe pain. Without proper treatment, these injuries frequently result in blindness. Additionally, being nocturnal, sloth bears are naturally adapted to low-light conditions, but when forced to perform in bright sunlight, they can suffer retinal damage, leading to vision loss. Malnutrition also plays a role, as the inadequate diet provided by the Kalandars deprived them of essential nutrients like vitamin A and carotene, crucial for healthy vision. Many aged bears are liable to develop cataracts, where proteins in the eye’s lens clump together to create a cloudy vision. Our team has become skilled at managing these cases, ensuring that visually impaired bears can navigate their environments safely.
Malnourishment
A major reason behind the medical issues faced by our rescued sloth bears is severe neglect. They were deprived of the nutrients they required to remain healthy. As these bears age under our long-term care, effects of malnutrition become more prominent, particularly in the form of liver and kidney problems. Addressing these chronic conditions has made geriatric care a primary focus for our team. We provide tailored diets fortified with proteins from mealworms, regular health monitoring, and supportive treatments. To further support their health in old age, we also administer supplements to address any additional deficiencies they may have.
Stereotypic Behaviours
In addition to the physical trauma, rescued sloth bears also suffered from deep psychological wounds stemming from years of abuse. This trauma often manifests as extreme fear, anxiety, and even aggression, leading to stereotypic behaviours like pacing, excessive tongue flicking, grooming, head tossing, or swaying. Addressing this psychological trauma is a crucial part of their rehabilitation. Our caregivers and veterinarians work closely to create a safe and nurturing environment that helps the bears gradually overcome their mental health conditions. Specially designed enrichment devices are used to stimulate natural behaviours and engage their minds. Honey, peanut butter, and dates are relished by sloth bears, and are therefore incorporated into their food-based enrichments. The bears are encouraged to focus and interact with their environment in ways that revive their natural behaviours and keep them calm.
Current Threat: Rising Human-bear Conflict
After rescuing and rehabilitating nearly 628 sloth bears from the ‘dancing’ trade, with Adit being the last of them to be rescued, we now face a new challenge: rescuing sloth bears from conflict situations. Sloth bears in the wild often sustain terrible injuries after being caught in snares or barbed wire laid out by poachers. Bears rescued from such scenarios are given immediate medical attention by Wildlife SOS. If found with minor injuries, they are provided with basic first aid, after which they are released back into the wild. Bears with life-threatening injuries that can certainly compromise their ability to survive in the wild are brought to our centres for long-term care. This approach is taken when rescued bears are in need of constant and sensitive care.
Tackling extreme cases has led Wildlife SOS to constantly improve the quality of care given to rescued sloth bears. The organisation has also been able to notably contribute valuable knowledge to the broader veterinary community. As we continue to learn and adapt, our goal remains the same: to provide these remarkable animals with the best possible care and a second chance at life. To help us continue our efforts in supporting the health and welfare of our rescued bears, consider making a donation.
