WILDLIFE RESCUE NEWS

September 2014

Rescue of a Sloth Bear Cub

 

On the 10th September, Karuna received a call about an injured baby Sloth Bear at a field in a nearby village. It was brought to us by the Forest Department for treatment and care at our Rescue Centre. The Bear cub is only 4 months old, weighing around 16kg, both front paws are burnt and the bear arrived unconscious. The injuries are most probably caused by electric shock. Farmers in the area try to scare away or kill bears and other animals to protect their crops. They use live wires. At present we have no information about the mother Sloth Bear.

 

 

 

 

 

The little bear received immediate first aid treatment for his wounds as well as receiving fluids, antibiotics and painkillers. During the night he regained consciousness and ate a little but it was very distressed and traumatized. In the stool we found seeds from green melon, an indication that he might have strayed in a field nearby the place where he was found. We informed the Forest officials in the area and we hope they will take action against the farmer.

On September 13th our veterinary doctor examined the cub and found that the bear is blind. This might still improve. The bear cub is very active, eating well and loves the fruits, egg and ragi porridge. It is still trying to adjust to its new environment. The little bear is under constant observation and only after some time can he be introduced to the other bears. It looks like he will stay with us for life.

 

Wild Boar Rescue

 

On September 5th, Narrendra Reddy from Karuna, also works as a volunteer for the Forest Department was on his way back home when he saw two female wild boars tied up in an taxi. He knew that these two boars had been poached from the nearby forest and that they were being transported for slaughter for their meat. Unfortunately, the illegal wildlife trade has been going on for many years in this area and you can find many hotels that have wildlife on their menus.

During the summer, hunger and thirst drive the wild animals closer to the plantations which are being built deeper into the forest encroaching into the territory of many wild animals.

Narrendra immediately called the Forest Officials and then stopped the taxi. Three of the poachers were arrested and taken to the local forestry office. The boars were brought to Karuna for treatment before being released back to the forest by the Forestry Department.
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Our New Monkey Shelter

Thanks to a very caring donor, we were able to move our rescue monkey’s from a small shelter at the clinic to the existing wildlife centre into a large enclosure that was originally used for housing rescued painted storks. It was repaired, improved and an extra separate cage installed. It was a lot of welding work, a new cement floor, a sand floor, a feeding area, new paint and lots of ropes, swings and hiding places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currently we have 20 monkeys that have been brought in due to electrocution from live wires, or poisoning, road accidents, poaching or dog bites. Most of the monkeys here are missing limbs, that is why they are now long term residents who deserve a good home. We have also employed a new attendant to work in the sanctuary. The monkeys are so happy here being surrounded by nature.