Sponsor a Bear
History
Only Terror Must Disappear
Extremely elusive, sloth bears inhabit the last remnants of Asian forests. Their lifestyle in the wild remains relatively unknown. But when you have the chance to meet them, you discover affectionate and playful animals.
Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are among the six out of eight bear species threatened with extinction. Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, their population was relatively stable fifty years ago, but these Asian plantigrades have faced severe habitat degradation, conflicts with humans encroaching on their territory, and poaching for the trade of body parts used in traditional medicine in recent decades. Today, while it is difficult to precisely estimate the numbers of these very discreet animals, it is believed that only about 20,000 individuals survive in the last fragments of tropical forests on the Indian subcontinent (from the Himalayan range to Sri Lanka). These small bears with shaggy fur have also long been victims of the worst acts of cruelty. After the mothers were killed, bear trainers captured the cubs, pierced their noses with ropes, beat them, and made them perform dance numbers. This abominable practice, outlawed in 1972, persisted in India until 2009. After seven years of fierce struggle, One Voice and its partner Wildlife SOS succeeded in cutting the rope of the last dancing bear in this country.
Agra Sanctuary
After seven years of struggle, we freed the last dancing bear from its rope in India! Managed by our partner Wildlife SOS, the Agra sanctuary is designed for the happiness of bears we have rescued from slavery or poaching. We funded a clinic there, which has become a reference point. The survivors are grouped in large enclosures based on their age, gender (to avoid reproduction), and affinities. They have comfortable dens to hide in, hammocks to nap in the sun, wooden structures, and enrichments for entertainment. Everywhere, trees and bushes provide these survivors from hell with near-ideal semi-free living conditions. Only the oldest bears needing regular veterinary care are visible to the public. Their scarred faces testify to their past sufferings and raise visitor awareness of their cause.
Animal sponsorships
Mowgli
Sponsoring Mowgli means offering him a new destiny, the one his mother would have given him if she hadn’t been killed. Thanks to you, we can provide him with the care and joy of life he has sorely missed.
Mowgli was only ten weeks old when he saw his mother die, a victim of an electrocution trap. He felt her suddenly collapse while they were out walking, with him perched on her back. When his rescuers found the cub, he was starving, curled up at the feet of his beloved dead mother. The caretakers did everything to save and bottle-feed him. The result is spectacular. Mowgli not only became a stout and healthy bear, but he also gained confidence. The terrified little being has turned into a young male who easily considers himself the center’s king. The troublemaker, curious about everything, and full of energy, has retained much of his wild nature. Yet, he bonds strongly with his caretakers and peers. Mali, an older bear, has become a sort of spiritual and protective father for him. They are always together, challenging each other.
Sponsoring Mowgli means offering him a new destiny, the one his mother would have given him if she hadn’t been killed. Thanks to you, we can provide him with the care and joy of life he has sorely missed.
Rose
Sponsoring Rose means encouraging her in her will to rebuild and live, in the company of her bear friends and kind humans. With your help, you give her the chance to be happy, even on three legs.
When she was less than a year old, Rose lost her leg in a mechanical trap. It had to be amputated to save her. The indescribable pain she experienced was very difficult to overcome, both physically and psychologically. Yet, time and the love she received from her caregivers worked wonders. Now, the brave bear is no longer in pain and is open to the world. Elvis and Bintha, two peers with whom she shares her enclosure, also played a significant role in her healing. They get along wonderfully! Enduring and inventive, Rose has found all the necessary ways to overcome her disability and keep up with her friends during their play sessions. Often, when looked for, she is found at the top of a tree! She has become an excellent climber, moving almost as quickly as her companions. She is a model of resilience and admired by all.
Sponsoring Rose means encouraging her in her will to rebuild and live, in the company of her bear friends and kind humans. With your help, you give her the chance to be happy, even on three legs.
Kamli
Sponsoring Kamli means allowing her to live a semi-free life as a bear, safe from torture and slavery. With your support, we offer her security and all the care she needs.
Kamli weighed only 2.5 kilos when she arrived at the Agra sanctuary in India. She was fortunate to be saved before enduring the torture inflicted on bears by the Qalandars to make them dance. Thanks to the good care of her surrogate mother, she is now a beautiful bear over a hundred kilos, particularly playful and very attached to the humans who saved her. Pampered by everyone, she has found peace and balance. She has also formed very tender bonds with other bears in the refuge, even though her greed often drives her to steal treats from them when their backs are turned. Among her favorite treats are honey logs and watermelons! But her companions easily forgive her thefts as she is so charming and friendly. Often, she is found snuggled up to them during long sunlit naps. The older she gets, the more she enjoys these calm and peaceful moments. Kamli is happy, and it shows.
Sponsoring Kamli means allowing her to live a semi-free life as a bear, safe from torture and slavery. With your support, we offer her security and all the care she needs.
Jasmine
Sponsoring Jasmine means giving her the chance for a happy life surrounded by affection. With your support, we offer her everything she needs, including the treats she loves!
