KATHMANDU, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) - A vulnerable-categorized sloth bear, which was being used for entertainment purpose in streets, has been rescued by an animal welfare organization in eastern Nepal this week.
The one-year old male bear named Dhutru was rescued from Lahan Municipality in Siraha district by a private organization called Sneha's Care some three days ago.
"We found the bear in pitiable condition. It was used for dance show in streets while we rescued. Unfortunately, those who held the bear flee away," Sneha Shrestha, head of Sneha's Care, told Xinhua on Thursday.
According to Shrestha, the bear's muzzle has been pierced and it has probably gone through cruel training method. The black bear has been kept in Shrestha's animal care shelter in Kathmandu since Tuesday night.
"At first, I was afraid to go nearby. When I touched, it scratched me. But later, it allowed me to feed it with rice and milk. It shows that animals trust human beings so fast. I am touched by this gesture," Shrestha, who has been working for animal welfare since 2014, shared with Xinhua.
Though this is the first close encounter of Shrestha with bear, she has been providing shelter and care to more than 150 dogs, pigs, goats and stray cattle. "Animals too should have basic freedom as us, "she remarked.
The passionate animal-lover Shrestha informed that the rescued bear will be transferred to Wildlife SOS Bear Sanctuary in India for its comfortable stay through the Nepal government process.
Till that, the bear will be kept in Central Zoo in Kathmandu for its temporary shelter and safety. "We are handing over the bear to zoo today, "Shrestha said.
Sloth bear is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to its habitat loss and degradation. It is often used as performing pets in many parts of Asia.
According to the World Animal Protection, bears of various species were often trained to dance for entertainment purpose in the Middle Ages throughout Europe and Asia, which continued even later.
