On October 12th, the world will come together to celebrate World Sloth Bear Day, an annual event dedicated to honoring the beauty and resilience of these magnificent creatures. This year, International Animal Rescue (IAR) invites you to join in the festivities and learn more about these unique bears.
Mithali, one of IAR’s beloved sloth bears, will be the star of the show as she enjoys a pot of honey in celebration of this special day. Mithali’s story is one of resilience and hope, as she and her sibling have overcome great adversity with the help of IAR’s partner in India, Wildlife SOS.
The two orphaned cubs were found trapped in a dry well with their deceased mother for over 48 hours when they were just 20 weeks old. Despite their dire circumstances, they have emerged victorious with the help of IAR, Wildlife SOS, and the Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) team. Mithali and her sibling have been named after Indian cricket legends Mithali Raj and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who also embody resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Under the nurturing care of Ankita Bear, Mithali and her sibling have slowly come out of their shells and are learning to thrive in a safe environment. Mithali’s love for honey is just one of the many heartwarming moments witnessed as she and her sibling embrace life with newfound hope.
On World Sloth Bear Day, it is important to remember the conservation needs of these bears, who are central to Indian mythology. Sloth bears are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching, and awareness days like this help raise awareness for their protection.
Some fun facts about sloth bears include their unique dietary habits, as they primarily feed on insects, fruits, and honey, making them crucial for seed dispersal in their habitats. They are also known for their shaggy fur and long claws, which are adapted for digging for insects and honeycomb.
Gavin Bruce, CEO at International Animal Rescue, emphasizes the urgency of protecting sloth bears to prevent their extinction. “Co-existence with these magnificent creatures is imperative, and raising awareness about their plight is a shared responsibility,” he said.
As we celebrate World Sloth Bear Day, IAR encourages everyone to support Mithali and her sibling’s journey towards a better future. With a population of only 6-11,000 remaining in the wild, the conservation of sloth bears is crucial. To learn more about how you can help, visit https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/projects/indian-sloth-bear.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.