At 33 years old, Bobby is one of the eldest bears at the Bannerughatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC). He endured much in his early life and is a gentle reminder of how compassion can transform even the most painful pasts.
Bobby’s story traces back to Kolar, Karnataka, where he was forced to perform as a ‘dancing’ bear for 16 years of his life. With a tugging rope through his pierced nose and shackles on his feet, his spirit was harshly bent, but not broken. He arrived at our centre in 2008 as a weak, malnourished and underweight bear. Yet, his eyes flickered the spark of resilience that now defines him.
Bobby’s rescue began a new chapter in his life at BBRC, which was now his safe haven to discover peace. Under the care of his dedicated caregivers and veterinarians, Bobby gradually learned that the hands reaching out to him were not to harm, but to heal. Today, Bobby weighs a healthy 91 kgs, nourished by a diet of seasonal fruits, hearty ragi (finger millet) and jowar (sorghum) porridge. The cherry on top of his diet is the honey or peanut butter that is added, showing how he is a sloth bear of simple pleasures.
Over the last 16 years, Bobby has come to realise he is in safe hands in a secure environment. As a geriatric bear under our care, attentive care is given to his well-being. Supplements provided are keeping his health steady, while positive conditioning is helping our medical team conduct regular check-ups of the calm bear.
In his large, green enclosure, Bobby leads a peaceful and fulfilling life. Age hasn’t stopped this bear from remaining busy through his day. He enjoys lounging on wooden platforms, rolling logs between his paws, and napping under the shade of tall trees. A peaceful sharing of space and companionship exists between him and Kuber, another bear who, much like Bobby, enjoys the quiet. The two often rest near each other in silence, their bond reflecting mutual understanding.
Bobby rests with his eyes closed, as though he is attentively listening to the sounds around him. When it rains, the air smells of fresh soil and the earth is rich with termites, and Bobby simply cannot resist indulging in an instinctive act as old as his kind: digging the earth with his long, curved claws!
Bobby has experienced both cruelty and kindness in his life. His tale is a reminder that darkness exists only until someone decides to bring in the light. It is also a powerful reflection of Wildlife SOS’s mission, to give every animal not just a second chance at life, but the dignity that was once denied to them. As the sun dips behind the trees and the forest hums softly around him, Bobby settles into his cozy den. In his quiet world, Bobby has found what every being deserves, the freedom to simply be.
You too can help Bobby continue living this peaceful life by becoming a monthly donor for Wildlife SOS and contributing towards his long-term care.
Feature image: Wildlife SOS
