One year ago, Jimmy could barely walk. Today, he absolutely cannot be stopped!
In January 2025, a tiny two-month-old sloth bear cub was found alone in a culvert beneath a highway in Shahdol district, near Bandhavgarh National Park. After hope for his mother to return became dim, and noticing how the yelping cub needed aid, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department intervened to rescue him. The baby bear needed long-term care, and therefore, he was faithfully transferred to Wildlife SOS’s Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility (VVBRF) in Bhopal, where he was named Jimmy.
Sloth bear cubs spend their first two years on their mother’s back, learning to forage, climb, and navigate the forest. Without that maternal guidance, releasing the cub into the wild would threaten his survival. VVBRF became, and will always be, his forever home. Under neonatal care at our centre, a special milk formula mimicking the mother bear’s milk was prepared, along with soft millet porridge and watermelon juice. Vitamins and digestive supplements were added to support his immunity. Every feed, every bottle, every surface was sanitised with relentless care and attention.
The Blanket He Would Not Let Go
Jimmy’s early weeks of care were built around one goal: stability. Consistent feeds, gentle warmth, and regular veterinary check-ups including deworming and vaccinations helped him steadily grow stronger.
In those fragile days, a soft blanket given to Jimmy, became his greatest comfort, his warm and secure possession in an unfamiliar world. In case his caregivers’ tried removing it while cleaning his space, he would immediately hold on to it tight, grunting softly in protest. This was a cub reaching for the only comfort he knew, the warmth of which perhaps revived memories of his mother’s fur that he would cling to. Now, he has a jute bag that gets the same devoted attention.
One Year Later, He’s Unstoppable!
Today, Jimmy is a playful one-year-old with a healthy body weight. The mornings usually begin with high energy levels which barely stop. Young Jimmy has already picked up the habit of digging enthusiastically into the soft earth around him, because he knows that this will get him to what his species is known to hunt and eat: insects!
There is not a moment when Jimmy stays still. He swings from ropes, scales trees, hangs from tyres, rings the bells strung across his field, and investigates everything in reach. And when his excitement peaks, Jimmy does what can be called his own version of “zoomies”! He picks up full speed while running around, pouncing and rolling before tumbling, popping straight back up, and sprinting off again. It is impossible to watch this glorious chaos without grinning ear to ear.
After all the jumps, hops and leaps, raised mounds created for him become Jimmy’s launching pads to rest on. After a brief afternoon nap, it’s adventure time, once again!
There is one tender exception to all this liveliness. When he hears a heavy truck or tractor rumble from afar, Jimmy immediately pauses and goes quiet, moving closer to his caregiver. Perhaps somewhere deep down, the horrors of the highway still exist in his memory.
Jimmy Loves a Papaya Party!
Feeding time is the centrepiece of Jimmy’s day, and he announces it with deep, rhythmic sounds that echo across the entire facility. Even a minute’s delay results in far-reaching calls. Papaya is clearly his absolute favourite as he savours each slice with complete happiness. Chiku (sapodilla) comes a close second, with watermelon juice not far behind. Honey features as an irresistible treat when he engages with his many enrichments!
Growing Smarter Every Day
VVBRF is filled with lush greenery and enrichments that are helping Jimmy remain physically and mentally active. He gets to discover surprises each and every day: honey and peanut butter smeared on enrichment balls, dollops of honey on swings and rock mounts, murmura mixed with chana (puffed rice with chickpeas) tucked away in different places to snack on.
Jimmy is now undergoing target training sessions as well. He is quick to pick up the cues such as presenting his paw or lying down on one side, and knows that after every response he gives, a yummy delight awaits. This positive reinforcement approach makes routine veterinary examinations a smooth procedure.
The Bond That Words Cannot Capture
Jimmy’s caregiver, who has been beside him from his very first days, describes him as sensitive, naughty, intelligent, and deeply loving. He shares that Jimmy often comes and sits close, huffing in a way that resembles a conversation! Watching him grow as a healthy and lively bear is what fills the caregiver with overwhelming joy.
From a Culvert to the Heart of VVBRF
Jimmy’s transformation from a helpless orphan to a cheerful young bear owes itself to days filled with consistent enrichments, careful feeds, health check-ups, a beloved jute bag, and people who believed that Jimmy deserved a joyful life. From bottles of formulated milk, the growing boy has graduated to a nourishing portion of finger millet, sorghum, and pearl millet blended together for his well-being. Peanuts and Chiku (sapodilla) are peeled and served for now, but soon, he will be relishing these in their entirety.
Jimmy has brought with him a story filled with mischief, trust and love.
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Feature Image: Sanjeev Marskole/Wildlife SOS
