The second largest sloth bear rescue center in the world is celebrating its 18th anniversary

The sanctuary has been in existence for 18 years and is a pioneer in sloth bear conservation and a leader in the management and welfare of rescued and rehabilitated sloth bears.

It is home to more than 60 sloth bears, the majority of which have been rescued from the cruel ‘dancing’ bear tradition.

Sloth bear rescue: Located in the Bannerghatta National Park in Bangalore, the Wildlife SOS Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Center is the world’s second largest sloth bear rescue centre. The sanctuary has been in existence for 18 years and is a pioneer in sloth bear conservation and a leader in the management and welfare of rescued and rehabilitated sloth bears.

Located in the heart of the Bannerghatta National Park, the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Center was established 18 years ago, when Wildlife SOS signed an agreement with the Karnataka Forest Department and the Zoo Authority of Karnataka in November 2005. Currently, the center operates under the supervision of the Bannerghatta Biological Park. It is home to more than 60 sloth bears, the majority of which have been rescued from the cruel ‘dancing’ bear tradition.

Starting from humble beginnings with just two buildings, today the facility has expanded to include five large individual enclosures, a state-of-the-art operating room and an eco-friendly bear kitchen operated through biomass-based cooking stoves. In addition, the facility is also the first fully solar-powered rescue center operated by the organization, and this natural resource provides power to the entire sanctuary.

Keeping in mind the need to raise awareness about sloth bear conservation, special attention has been paid to outreach programs that include engagement with people. This comes in the form of corporate partnerships and celebrity visits to the centers, as well as an active volunteer program. Participants and visitors who choose to volunteer directly contribute their time to the care and well-being of the rescued bears.

Sandhi Priya, Deputy Director-Corporate and Philanthropic Partnership, Wildlife SOS, said: “What sets the Bannerghatta Rescue Center apart is not just its journey, but also its organic evolution into a sustainable sanctuary for both bears and people. Today we can proudly boast solar panels, an organic green kitchen with minimal CO2 emissions and a commitment to energy efficiency that not only benefits our environment but also significantly reduces our operating costs.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-Founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS said, “18 years after its inception, Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Center is today a pioneer in the care of rehabilitated sloth bears. The center serves multi-faceted purposes, including that of an educational center, a veterinary research center and an opportunity for outreach through corporate social responsibility.”

Dr. A Sha Arun, Director of Research & Veterinary Operations said: “Over the years, the facility has functioned as a rescue center for the treatment and care of sloth bears. However, it has also made huge strides forward in veterinary research and the welfare and management of rescued sloth bears.”