Prosthetics have a long and fascinating history. With their earliest known evidence found in simple wooden limbs in ancient Egypt, to the advanced precision-designed devices of today — the implants have surely progressed. Originally created to help humans regain movement and independence after injury, prosthetic innovation gradually extended. Over time, this ingenuity was welcomed by veterinarians to apply first for dogs and cats, then for horses, and more recently for rescued wildlife.
If you had told anyone in India a few years ago that a lame sloth bear would be wearing a prosthetic paw one day, they might have laughed in disbelief. Domestic animals, yes. But a wild sloth bear? That kind of an animal was an uncharted territory. However, now, for the first time in India and the world, a sloth bear with an amputated paw is proudly leading the once unimaginable list. At the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC), situated within the lush Bannerghatta Biological Park on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Karnataka, a peanut-butter-loving bear named Vasikaran has stepped into history as the first known sloth bear in the world to receive a prosthetic paw. This milestone carries within itself a story of careful planning and immense patience, underlined with hope that has transformed a bear’s world.
Vasikaran’s Early Struggles
Sloth bears in India face numerous threats. Although many have been rescued from the cruel practice of being ‘dancing’ bears, poaching remains a serious danger. Poachers set hidden jaw traps across the wilderness, which snap shut with brutal force, injuring the bears’ paws and often leaving them unable to move. That’s the situation Vasikaran had found himself in.
After a cruel encounter with a wire snare trap in Ballari district, Karnataka, Vasikaran arrived at BBRC in the year 2019. The trap had clamped onto his left hind paw, leaving deep wounds and severe infection that could not be healed. Emergency first aid on site saved him from immediate danger, but sadly the injury was too severe. As a result, his paw had to be amputated, leaving Vasikaran to balance his weight on his three other legs. Because of his vulnerable condition, we could not release him back into the wild and it was decided that he receives long-term care at BBRC.
At first, Vasikaran, affectionately called Vasi by his caregivers, was shy and wary of his surroundings. However, gradually, glimpses of his playful spirit began to bubble up! He was always delighted in digging deep pits in the earth, lounging on his hammocks, and savouring his beloved treats of peanut butter and honey. But what truly made him the talk of BBRC was his habit of sitting upright like a little human, his round eyes wide open with curiosity. This endearing posture quickly won over his caregivers and veterinarians!
Driven by a commitment to ensure every bear experiences a fulfilling life, our caregivers and veterinarians have been doing their best for Vasi. Enrichments were adjusted for him to keep them within reach, and his movements were closely monitored to note any strain or discomfort. Gradually, Vasi adapted to his surroundings and his care, but there was one thing he could never reclaim — the ability to move along comfortably, which he had lost along with his paw.
A Groundbreaking Collaboration with the “Wizard of Paws”
The idea of fitting a wild sloth bear with a prosthetic paw might once have seemed impossible — until animal orthotist Derrick Campana, founder of Bionic Pets and a pioneer in his field, reached out to us. Over the course of his career, Derrick Campana, better known as the “Wizard of Paws”, had helped countless domestic animals and even horses, but never before had he worked with a wild bear. The plan was ambitious: to give Vasi greater comfort and mobility, while ensuring the process remained calm and stress-free for him.
Under the guidance and collaboration of Bannerghatta Biological Park and the Karnataka Forest Department, the project gradually took shape. Vasi’s injured paw was carefully wrapped in soft cloth, helping him adjust to the sensation of something foreign attached to his leg. Positive conditioning practiced at our centre became key in familiarising him with the new addition, so that Vasi accepts the upcoming prosthetic naturally.
Over several days, Derrick Campana crafted a durable mould and designed a limb strong enough to endure Vasi’s natural behaviours such as digging and climbing. When the long-awaited day of fitting it in finally arrived, anticipation filled the air. Dr. Arun A. Sha, Director of Research & Veterinary Operations and Vasi’s dedicated caregivers, were all present to carefully observe every step. Thanks to years of establishing trust through positive operant conditioning, Vasi remained calm and cooperative when the prosthetic was presented, curiously sniffing, tapping, and examining it. And when the prosthetic was finally attached to his limb, he didn’t flinch or show any fear.
To our immense joy, Vasi accepted it, and could comfortably place his left hind leg on the ground for the first time in years! He was moving around his enclosure with ease, and could even access all his enrichments without any difficulty. His body weight was evenly distributed, taking pressure off his other limbs. He swiftly resumed activities like sitting upright, digging, and reaching for honey on his enrichments. The successful adoption of this prosthesis clearly showed how skilfully designed the “new foot” for him was!
A Personality in Bloom
The prosthetic has not changed Vasi’s nature; it has enhanced it. Vasi has found a new sense of confidence as he moves about his field to play. He climbs up on his enrichments to survey his own surroundings with an aura of a bear king! He continues to enjoy mounting his hammocks and platforms to lounge on.
Being an external device, the prosthetic is removed periodically to prevent any irritation, and is then reattached. Vasi has accepted this rhythm of routine, making the entire process smooth for both him and his caregivers.
Life with the Prosthetic
Vasi, the rescued wild sloth bear, has walked into history. He is the first known sloth bear to wear a prosthetic paw in India and the world. His journey lauds the dedication of caregivers, the skill of specialists, and the quiet courage of a bear who, despite past suffering, allowed humans to help him in a truly remarkable way. This prosthetic is proof that even wild animals can benefit from interventions once thought of as far-fetched fantasies. For Derrick Campana and the team at BBRC, Vasi has encouraged them to push the known boundaries while prioritising animal welfare.
If Vasi’s journey has inspired you, there are many ways to walk alongside him. You can sponsor him and support his care. Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue to create these stories of hope and transformation!
Feature image: Hemanta Bijoy Chakma/ Wildlife SOS
