Adopt a Bear

Female, brown Himalayan bear

Bhoori is a 16-year-old bear who was forced to fight dogs in the baiting ring. Thankfully, she was rescued and brought to the safety of our supporter-funded sanctuary in 2011.

Bhoori’s settled into sanctuary life well, but she’s still scarred from the cruelty she endured. She has a hole in her muzzle from the rope used to control her (which you can see in one old photo). She’s missing teeth that were likely taken out when she was a cub, and the claws on her hind limbs are badly damaged.

Like all the bears at the sanctuary, Bhoori’s past is a sad one. But today Bhoori is healthy, energetic and loves splashing in the pool and foraging in the undergrowth. Her life is peaceful and care-free.

Female, Asiatic black bear

Maya is 7 years old. She was given the name Maya meaning "graciousness" when she came to the sanctuary, and she certainly lives up to her name.

When she was just a small cub, Maya’s teeth were pulled out so she couldn’t bite, and her sensitive muzzle was pierced, with a ring inserted through the wound. Maya’s owner was then able to control her by tugging on a rope attached to the ring. This caused her excruciating pain, pain she would do anything to avoid – including “dance”.

Maya was surrendered in 2016 and taken to our supporter-funded sanctuary where the team removed her nose ring and rope. When Maya woke up, she noticed her nose ring had gone and seemed to feel at ease in her new surroundings. Although you can still see the scars from her previous life, she has settled in at the sanctuary and is loving life.

Maya is a very jolly, beautiful bear who is now living her best life. Her favourite things are splashing around in the pool in the summer, sitting in the grass watching the world go by, eating (she loves bread) and playing with her friends Robin and Zilla.

Male, Asiatic black bear

Pooh is a small and friendly 15-year-old bear who was rescued from the bear baiting ring in 2015. Years of cruel abuse have left him blind.

Today, Pooh is too fragile to live in the main enclosure of the sanctuary with the other bears. Instead, he lives in a special area devoted to disabled bears. Here, staff can give Pooh all the care he needs.

Pooh's favourite activities are playing, sleeping, and - most importantly - eating. He eats a lot for such a small bear! His favourite foods are roti (a nutritious flat bread) and juicy apples, and he gets very excited when he hears the food cart coming. At night, Pooh likes to sleep at the front entrance of the den, loyally protecting his fellow bears.

Female, Asiatic black bear

Rene was forced to fight trained dogs in the baiting ring before her rescue in 2012. She’s a very small bear, which must have made the fights even more terrifying.

Today, Rene – whose name means re-born – is recovering well, though she still bears scars on her little nose. She’s so friendly she has earned the nickname ‘the welcome bear’ because she says a big hello to every new bear. Her loving nature has helped so many sad and suffering bears feel at ease in their new home.

As well as making new friends, Rene loves exploring every nook and cranny of the sanctuary. Don’t disturb her on her adventures though - she’s known to be quite feisty!