Sreekantiah never imagined that his life would be intertwined with the lives of sloth bears. Yet, today, he is not just their caregiver — he is their protector, their nurturer, and, in many ways, their family. His journey to becoming a dedicated paravet at Wildlife SOS’s Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) is not only unique, but one that consists of great passion and patience. For the last 21 years (and many more to come!), he has devoted himself wholeheartedly to care for sloth bears. His association with Wildlife SOS began at Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), where he spent almost a decade nurturing orphaned cubs and tending to the resident bears. Gaining expertise in this field, he brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to BBRC, and has played a critical role in overcoming the different kinds of challenges and situations our team has come across.
Sreekantiah’s hard work and efforts also contains compassion and dedication, which has helped him form an unbreakable bond with the bears he cares for, as well as all of us at Wildlife SOS.
While chatting with him, we spoke about his personal choices as well, one of which was his long, flowing hair that he had been maintaining for years. “For most, keeping long hair is a style statement, but there’s a reason behind my decision to keep it that way is far deeper than just appearance,” shared Sreekantiah, with a glint in his eye. To uncover Sreekantiah’s extraordinary story, read on!
How did you connect with Wildlife SOS?
You’ll be surprised to know that years ago, I was hired for construction work at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF). Amidst my daily tasks, I found myself drawn to the bears I saw there. I would take breaks just to watch them, fascinated by their movements, their behaviour, and the way they interacted with each other. There was something deeply moving about these animals, their quiet resilience, their playful curiosity.
How and when were you drawn to the field of wildlife conservation?
I never knew much about conservation earlier. Back in my hometown, human-wildlife conflicts were a regular occurrence, especially on our farms. The only solutions we knew were to scare animals away or, in unfortunate cases, to kill them. My village is near Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), so elephant raids on farms were common. We tried all sorts of things to deter them, but the idea of coexisting with wildlife never crossed our minds.
Tell us about your journey with Wildlife SOS.
Initially, I started as a bear caregiver at ABRF in Agra, looking after adult sloth bears. But as the ‘dancing’ bear project gained momentum, our centre began receiving numerous bear cubs handed over by the Kalandars (erstwhile owners). Unlike the older bears, these tiny cubs required constant attention, and many of my colleagues were hesitant to take on the challenge! After all, cubs tend to be highly frisky. One of our team’s veterinarians noticed my efforts, and he encouraged me to step forward. I didn’t think twice, I knew I wanted to help these little ones.
What has kept you motivated to work in the field of sloth bear care?
I have learned so much from Kartick sir, he was the one who brought me into this field and patiently taught me the basics of animal care and conservation. His unwavering dedication and love for wildlife ignited my own passion and deepened my interest, making me want to immerse myself fully in this work.
No two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes my work as a paravet so fulfilling. I feel immense happiness doing what I do, and every day feels like a fresh beginning with the bears. This joy has kept me going all these years, and I know that I want to dedicate my life to caring for these incredible animals for as long as I can.
What does a normal day at work look like?
Every morning, I head out at 7 am to reach BBRC, which is 60 km away from my home. It takes about an hour to arrive at the centre. My first task here is always to walk around and check if anyone needs assistance before I dive into my own share of responsibilities.
There is a famous photograph in our records which shows Wildlife SOS Co-founder Geeta Seshamani and you taking care of sloth bear cubs. Can you tell us the story behind this picture?
That picture (placed below) brings out one of the most challenging yet rewarding phases of my journey back in 2005! Bear cubs require round-the-clock care, and have to be fed every hour of the day. Despite the risks, I embraced this responsibility under the guidance of Geeta ma’am. Every single need of the cubs was met with dedication and love. I had to work with patience, nurturing the cubs as if I were their mother.
At ABRF, I watched these very cubs grow in front of me for 10 years. It was a privilege to know, each day, that I had played a small part in giving them a second chance at life. Eventually, I moved to BBRC, and I now look after the rescued resident bears here.
How different is it to take care of adult bears compared to baby cubs?
It’s a completely different experience. Adult bears are relatively easier to manage, but raising baby cubs is a tedious and demanding task. The first three months are the most critical, as the cubs are adjusting to their diet and developing essential survival skills. Cubs need their mothers for at least the first two years of their lives, and since they did not have theirs with them anymore, they sought a parent-like figure in me, their closest caregiver.
Which is your favourite bear at our centres?
It’s very difficult to choose just one because every bear holds a special place in my heart. But if I had to name a few, Guna (named after the city she was rescued from in Madhya Pradesh) at ABRF would be at the top of the list. She was majestic, seemed to be as big as a tiger, and I watched her grow from just 12 kg to an astonishing 150 kg. Despite her size, she was one of the most sensitive and affectionate bears I’ve ever known.
Every bear I’ve cared for has given me immense love, and they have truly shaped my humanity. They’ve taught me patience, compassion, and the incredible depth of emotions animals can feel.
What message do you have for our readers?
Empathy and compassion are among the greatest gifts we humans possess. When we show love and care for nature, it gives back to us in ways we may not always realise. Every tree, every animal, and every ecosystem is interconnected, just like we are.
We should never think, ‘This is not my forest’ or ‘This is not my responsibility’. The truth is, the well-being of nature directly affects us all. If we neglect it today, the consequences will find us sooner or later. Our actions—big or small—shape the world around us. So let’s take responsibility, nurture the environment, and ensure that the future remains bright for both wildlife and humanity.
If Sreekantiah’s story inspires you to work towards rescued animals under our care, come forward and volunteer at our centres! This unique experience will offer you insights and knowledge about care given to rehabilitated animals. Your support can also make a difference through donations that contribute to their well-being. Let’s work together to protect wildlife and safeguard the natural world for future generations!
