Lissy, a small bear cub, was rescued near the Jharkhand–West Bengal border. Photo/video credit Wildlife SOS and International Animal Rescue
Baby Sloth Bear Rescued From Brutal ‘dancing’ Trade
4 days ago 
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A young female sloth bear rescued from the illegal ‘dancing’ bear trade in eastern India is now being cared for around the clock by Wildlife SOS at a dedicated rescue centre with help from long-term partner, Sussex-based, International Animal Rescue.
She was found after forest officials received an anonymous tip-off about a man carrying a small bear cub near the Jharkhand–West Bengal border. When officers arrived at the scene, the man spotted them and threw the tiny bear to the ground before running off.
Approaching the frightened cub, officers realised someone had deliberately pierced her muzzle so that rope could be forced through it; her canine teeth had also been smashed. These brutal injuries are signature marks of abuse from the ‘dancing’ bear trade, whereby bears are deliberately injured so they can be controlled by a rope tied to their mouths and forced to ‘dance’ for money.
Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue. “In many ways this rescue shows us that we can’t sit back, we need to keep protecting these bears. Lissy was named after our much-loved colleague at International Animal Rescue, Lis Key, who we miss terribly. Lis was the heart of IAR, an animal welfare veteran. Naming this bear after our colleague and dear friend, Lis, feels deeply fitting. Lis gave her heart to this work for over 20 years and stood beside me throughout the fight to end the dancing bear trade. I know she would have been profoundly moved to see this young bear now safe, protected and finally given the chance of a life free from fear.”
Staff at the Wildlife SOS veterinary clinic noted that she was malnourished. Despite her young age, she was weak and dehydrated, showing obvious signs that she had been subjected to abuse for far too long.
Lissy, as she has since been named, is currently receiving medical care and around-the-clock attention from caregivers. Although she has a long road of recovery ahead, she is already showing positive signs. Despite her traumatic beginnings, Lissy is blossoming in her forever home and settling in comfortably with her caregivers and slowly gaining trust again.
“The cruel practices that Lissy endured should have no place in this world. Thankfully with Wildlife SOS’ care she will be given the life she deserves,” said Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue.
International Animal Rescue has partnered with Wildlife SOS since 1999. Lasting teamwork between IAR and Wildlife SOS resulted in India’s official ban on the dancing bear trade in 2009. However, Lissy’s story is a poignant reminder that on the country’s borders, ongoing support and rehabilitation is needed for rescued animals.
If you would like to know more about our work and follow Lissy’s recovery story, please visit https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/animals/indian-sloth-bear
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