On the occasion of World Sloth Bear Day, celebrated on October 12, the charities International Animal Rescue and Wildlife SOS have released new images that demonstrate the extraordinary transformation of Odum, a 26-year-old sloth bear who escaped a life of atrocious suffering.
In the past, the animal was the victim of the cruel practice of “dancing bears” in India, a tourist exploitation in which the animal’s face was pierced with a hot iron and then a rope was inserted into the open wound, forcing it to perform painful movements and spend the rest of the time locked in small cages. Malnutrition and severe neglect had caused Odum to experience severe growth retardation and abnormal gait development.
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The turning point and the meeting with Julia Roberts
The turning point came in 2009, when the animal was finally rescued by rescue forces. Precisely at that time the famous film actress Julia Roberts was in India filming the film Eat pray love. During a visit to the sanctuary 17 years ago, the Hollywood star personally baptized the animal, calling it Odum, an ancient family name. From that moment, the specimen began a long journey of physical and psychological rehabilitation to leave the traumas suffered behind him.
17 years of specialized care at Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre
Today Odum lives happily inside the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, a protected facility run by Wildlife SOS partners in the heart of India. As underlined by the president of International Animal Rescue, Alan Knight, the protection of an animal rescued from mistreatment does not end with the moment of recovery, but requires constant commitment in the long term. Having reached the venerable age of 26, the bear requires a specific geriatric care program which includes periodic dental check-ups, physiotherapy sessions and a balanced diet rich in vitamin supplements.
The plantigrade’s days now pass in total serenity between refreshing swims in the pool, moments of exploration, large meals of ripe melons and relaxing naps in a hammock tailor-made for his needs. Odum’s happy ending story – which joins the success stories of other rescued bears such as Lissy and Gracie – demonstrates how the generosity of supporters and the work of veterinarians can restore the freedom and well-being denied for years to innocent creatures.
