Abandoned and injured, sloth bear cub rescued from Bandhavgarh

Bhopal: A five-month-old female sloth bear cub, found abandoned and critically injured in the buffer zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, was rescued by the state forest department.The bear was shifted to the Wildlife SOS-run Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility in Bhopal, where she was under specialised treatment and rehabilitation.The cub, Luna, was found alone in a severely weakened condition a week ago after apparently getting separated from her mother. Forest officials said she was dehydrated, anaemic and underweight, and was unable to walk as she was carrying a serious injury to her left hind limb.Veterinarians at the rescue facility detected an old hairline fracture near her left hip, which is believed to have been caused by a fall in the wild. She also had a wound on one of the toes of her left paw, a damaged claw and an ulcer on the footpad, making it difficult for her to walk.In a heartening piece of news, however, officials said Luna was responding well to treatment. Her wounds were being cleaned and dressed regularly, the vets and caregivers said, adding that she had started eating well, was gaining weight and gradually regaining her playful behaviour.

Her condition was said to be stable while she continues to remain under veterinary observation.Van Vihar National Park director Vijay Kumar said ensuring the cub’s survival was the immediate priority. “Veterinarians from Van Vihar and Wildlife SOS are jointly providing specialised treatment and long-term rehabilitation. We look forward to seeing her making a full recovery,” he said.Wildlife SOS co-founder and CEO Kartick Satyanarayan said, “When an injured cub is left alone in the wild, every passing hour is critical.

Luna’s rescue demonstrates what is possible when prompt action, veterinary expertise and close coordination with the forest department come together.”Geeta Seshamani, co-founder and secretary of Wildlife SOS, said it was encouraging to see the cub making steady progress in her recovery.The Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility in Bhopal provides specialised treatment and long-term care to rescued sloth bears that are orphaned, injured or otherwise unable to survive in the wild.