Abandoned, injured sloth bear cub gets second chance with Wildlife SOS – EnviroNews

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Five-month-old female cub, found severely injured and abandoned, is making a steady recovery under expert veterinary care at Wildlife SOS’s bear rehabilitation facility in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

A five-month-old female sloth bear cub, found abandoned and critically injured in the buffer zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh, has been rescued by the state Forest Department and transferred to Wildlife SOS’s Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility (VVBRF) in Bhopal, where she is receiving specialised treatment and long-term rehabilitation.

Separated from her mother, the young sloth bear cub was found alone on the forest floor in an extremely weakened condition. Severely dehydrated, anaemic and underweight, she was unable to walk properly due to a serious injury to her left hindlimb. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is among India’s most predator-dense forests, making survival for a severely injured cub impossible without timely intervention. Following the rescue, she was brought to VVBRF for treatment, where she was named Luna.

Initial medical examinations revealed an old hairline fracture near Luna’s left hip, indicating she had suffered significant trauma before her rescue. Veterinarians believe the fracture was sustained after she suffered a fall in the wild. She was also found to have a painful wound on one of the toes of her left paw, with a damaged claw and an ulcer on the footpad, making it difficult for her to walk.

Despite the severity of her injuries, Luna has responded well to treatment. Her wound is being cleaned and dressed regularly. She is now eating well, gaining weight, and gradually regaining her playful nature, all encouraging signs of recovery under continuous veterinary care. 

Shri Vijay Kumar, IFS, Director, Van Vihar National Park, said: “Ensuring the survival of this young cub was our foremost priority. The Van Vihar veterinarians are jointly working with Wildlife SOS expert veterinary team at Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility  for providing the specialised treatment and long-term rehabilitation for the bear cub, and we look forward to seeing her make a full recovery.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO, Wildlife SOS, 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 collaboration with the forest department come together. Every successful rescue reinforces our commitment to protecting India’s wildlife and ensuring that animals in distress receive the urgent care they need.”

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, added: “Young wild animals deserve the chance to heal in a safe and nurturing environment. It is heartening to see Luna gradually regain her confidence and playful spirit, reminding us why every rescue matters.”

Dr. S. Ilayaraja, Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS, said: “Luna arrived in a severely weakened condition. She is now responding well to treatment, and with continued specialised care and rehabilitation, we are optimistic about her recovery.”

Baiju Raj M.V, Director, Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said: “We sincerely appreciate the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department for their swift rescue and seamless coordination in ensuring Luna was safely transferred to our rehabilitation facility. We remain committed to supporting her recovery through specialised rehabilitation and care.”