Orphaned bear cub rescued, rehabilitated

A four-month-old sloth bear cub, found abandoned in a roadside culvert near Bandhavgarh National Park, has been rescued and is now under the care of the Wildlife SOS at the Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility (VVBRF) in Bhopal.

Named Jim after actor and Wildlife SOS supporter Jim Sarbh, the cub was discovered by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department inside a highway culvert. With no sign of the mother for four days and the cub showing signs of stress and hunger, forest officials intervened and transferred him to Bandhavgarh for emergency care before shifting him to the VVBRF.

“Jim was severely dehydrated and traumatised when he arrived. Immediate intervention saved his life,” said Dr Ilayaraja S, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services at Wildlife SOS.

At the facility, the cub is receiving round-the-clock care. His diet includes a blend of ragi porridge and specialised milk formula. Caregivers feed him every four hours to mimic the natural feeding pattern of a mother bear. Enrichment tools in his enclosure also help stimulate physical activity.

“Watching Jim bite, climb and play is a sign that he’s adjusting. Our team is doing everything possible to ensure his recovery,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS.

Actor Jim Sarbh, after whom the cub is named, expressed his support: “It’s an honour to be part of this little bear’s journey. I hope his story inspires compassion for our wildlife.”