Agra: Wildlife SOS’s Anti-Poaching Unit, Forest Watch in 2019, alerted the Jharkhand Forest Department and police officials to the sighting of five sloth bears near the Indo-Nepal border. This information led to the successful rescue of the bears, who had endured extreme cruelty.

Now, the three surviving bears - Molly, Arthur, and Ron – recently celebrated their fifth year of freedom at the Wildlife SOS Agra Bear Rescue Facility, marking a significant milestone in their journey to recovery.

The five bears, affectionately named after the Weasley family from the Harry Potter series, had been living in harsh environments. Their teeth were shattered, and their muzzles had been pierced with hot iron rods to allow ropes to be threaded through, a cruel method of control.

The bears were then immediately transferred to ABRF, where they received expert medical care and began their rehabilitation. Sadly, Ginny and Charlie, two of the sloth bears, succumbed to liver cancer. However, the remaining three – Molly, a female bear, and Arthur & Ron, both male bears – have formed strong bonds and are thriving in their new home.

Molly, Arthur, and Ron are cared for by the dedicated veterinary team at ABRF. Molly receives liver and calcium supplements to enhance hepatic function and bone health. Arthur is being provided with supplements, while Ron, the youngest one among them, receives additional vitamins to support his recovery.

To celebrate their fifth rescue anniversary, the team prepared a special cake made with porridge, millet balls, and the bears' favourite fruits, including watermelons, apples, pineapples, and papayas, all generously sprinkled with honey. This thoughtful treat made the day even more joyous and memorable for Molly, Arthur, and Ron.

Dr S Ilayaraja, Deputy Director, Veterinary Services of Wildlife SOS, said, “It has been remarkable to see these bears flourish after all they’ve been through. Their resilience truly shows how far care and compassion can go in healing wild animals.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS mentioned, “Molly, Arthur, and Ron’s transformation from suffering to freedom drives our ongoing fight against cruelty and poaching, inspiring hope for all wildlife in distress.”