When Valmiki first arrived at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF) in 2010, he was a frightened young cub bearing the marks of a painful past. Like many sloth bears rescued from the cruel ‘dancing’ bear trade along the Indo-Nepal border, he bore the scars from the rope forced through his muzzle, broken canines, and a frail, malnourished body. Every hesitant step he took revealed the fear he had lived with for far too long.
[Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Atharva Pacharne]
Although the initial years of his life were marked with pain and suffering, today Valmiki is a calm, dignified presence at ABRF. His journey of healing under our care was steady, and is deeply rooted in the strong connection he has with his caregiver.
From Isolation to Belonging
As a sloth bear cub, Valmiki witnessed an unfair separation from his mother and the wild. He led six years of his early life in traumatic solitude. But now, the 21-year-old Valmiki is far away from such distress. He is in excellent health, and has blossomed into a bear with a distinct personality. He might not be the loudest or the most active, but he is definitely one of the most emotionally intelligent ones at the centre. Beneath his serene, expressive face lies a soft-natured heart that prefers companionship over solitude. What makes Valmiki special is that while sloth bears are inherently solitary animals, Valmiki deeply dislikes being alone in his field, beautifully blending his quiet disposition with his social nature.
[Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Atharva Pacharne]
The Three Musketeers
Valmiki’s story at ABRF was never truly a solo narrative. His enclosure mates, Digit and Gambir, have been integral members to his daily life.
Each morning, Valmiki waits patiently for Digit and Gambir to wake up. His caregivers recognise this eagerness to meet his buddies as a gesture of trust and love that he has for them. They describe him as the kind of bear who thrives in this friendship, always observant to the duo’s behaviour, and happiest in their company.
[Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Atharva Pacharne]
The three share a close bond, sometimes engaging in playful mock fights, other times simply existing in comfortable silence side by side. Valmiki may prefer to follow rather than lead, to accompany rather than pioneer, but within this trio, he has found his place. And that place is exactly where he needs to be.
A Foodie at Heart
If there’s one thing that sparks unmistakable excitement in Valmiki, it’s mealtime! He is an enthusiastic foodie who approaches every meal with genuine excitement, relishing fruits, crunchy vegetables, and enrichment treats, like honey, dates, coconut and jaggery.
[Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Atharva Pacharne]
Among the enrichment treats is one that Valmiki is truly devoted to: coconut! Mention the word, and you’ll see his ears perk up with unmistakable interest. Whether it’s fresh coconut or coconut-based treats, he savours every bite with the dedication of a true connoisseur.
Valmiki also has a charmingly specific preference when it comes to porridge. While other bears might contentedly eat their warm porridge, Valmiki has very specific demands. He will only eat his porridge if a considerable amount of milk is added to it. Without milk, he simply refuses it. His caregivers happily accommodate this particular preference, a little ritual that makes Valmiki who he is.
Seasonal Habits & Comforts
Winters have Valmiki’s behaviour shift in beautiful ways. Instead of roaming around in his vast field, he prefers to sit and dig. He spends hours excavating the earth of his enclosure, creating cosy hollows, and curling up inside them, basking blissfully in the warm winter sun. There’s something almost meditative about watching him taking long, relaxed naps during cold months.
During the hotter months, Valmiki prefers the comfort of his cool den, much like many of the sloth bears at ABRF. He often spends long hours resting indoors, stepping out only when the temperature dips or when something especially tempting is placed in his feeding area. On some days, he’ll emerge briefly to indulge in a playful interaction with Digit and Gambir before retreating back to the shade.
[Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Atharva Pacharne]
While his companions Digit and Gambir are often found climbing trees and exploring elevated platforms, Valmiki prefers to stay on the ground. Climbing isn’t really his hobby any more. He has discovered his own rhythm to carry out the day with exciting activities like digging and foraging for insects, and finding that perfect sunny patch to lie down on.
A Testament to Healing
Once-thin bodied, Valmiki has gained great strength under attentive care to his physical well-being, diet and comfort. With regular health checkups, multivitamins, engaging enrichments, and the thoughtfully structured seasonal protocols provided to all rescued sloth bears at ABRF, Valmiki continues to enjoy a safe and comfortable life.
[Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Atharva Pacharne]
The peaceful, healthy bear spends as much time resting as he does strolling alongside his best friends. Valmiki’s story reveals how love, patience, and compassionate help can change a life forever.
If Valmiki’s quiet resilience and gentle presence have touched your heart, please consider supporting his ongoing care by becoming a monthly donor. Together, we can ensure that Valmiki and rescued sloth bears like him continue to be surrounded by the love and belonging they’ve finally found.
Feature image: Atharva Pacharne/ Wildlife SOS
