A four-month-old sloth bear cub named Jim has found safety and hope after being rescued from a highway culvert in India. Discovered alone and malnourished near Bandhavgarh National Park, Jim was believed to have been abandoned after his mother fled due to human disturbance. Forest officials waited four days, hoping she would return—but as Jim’s condition worsened, they were forced to intervene.
According to a press release by Wildlife SOS, Jim was rushed to a care center for emergency treatment before being transferred to the Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility in Madhya Pradesh. This facility, run in collaboration with Van Vihar National Park, now serves as his safe haven.
Wildlife SOS’s veterinary team is giving Jim round-the-clock care, ensuring he receives constant attention to mirror the nurturing he would have received in the wild. He’s fed every four hours with a carefully formulated diet of ragi porridge and milk, specially tailored to Support digestion and healthy development. As he gains strength, Jim has started to exhibit playful teething behaviors, chewing on everything and rolling across his enclosure.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder of Wildlife SOS, described Jim’s rescue as “a second chance at life,” praising the fast action of the forest department. Nikki Sharp, Executive Director of Wildlife SOS USA, emphasised that the cub is receiving comprehensive medical care to Support both his physical and emotional recovery.
This rescue is a reminder of how human encroachment disrupts the delicate lives of wildlife. But it also highlights what’s possible when compassion and Conservation work hand in hand.
If this story moved you, consider supporting sanctuaries like Wildlife SOS or making lifestyle choices that reduce human-wildlife conflict. Every step toward kindness counts.
This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 27 May 2025.Lead Image: Image Credit :Alan De Witt/Shutterstock.
Wildlife in catastrophic decline
The 73% decline in vertebrate wildlife populations during the last 50 years (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish), is primarily driven by human activities that threaten biodiversity.
Habitat Loss and Degradation – human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture have led to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats, reducing the space and resources available for wildlife.
Pollution – air, water, and soil pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and other sources can harm wildlife directly or indirectly by affecting their habitats and food sources.
Climate Change – changing weather patterns, rising temperatures, and sea levels are disrupting ecosystems and impacting species’ ability to adapt and survive.
Overexploitation of Resources – unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging practices can lead to the depletion of populations and the loss of biodiversity.
Invasive Species – the introduction of non-native species can disrupt ecosystems, compete with native species, and threaten their survival.
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