ISLAMABAD: Global animal welfare organisation Four Paws has successfully rescued a 3-year-old injured Asian black bear named Sunny from jugglers in Jhang district, in collaboration with the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB).
Sunny, a former dancing bear, was confiscated by local wildlife authorities and found in critical condition, showing signs of severe abuse and neglect.
Four Paws, working alongside IWMB, provided emergency medical care before relocating the bear to the IWMB Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
A veterinary examination revealed that Sunny’s teeth had been removed — a common practice in the dancing bear trade — leaving her defenceless. The bear was also emaciated and in a highly anxious mental state.
“We are proud to have rescued Sunny and brought her to safety,” said Dr. Amir Khalil, a Four Paws veterinarian leading the emergency mission in Pakistan. “The removal of the ring from her nose marks an important moment, as it was her last dance. Sunny is now officially retired.”
The rescue is part of Four Paws’ ongoing collaboration with the Pakistani government to end the cruel exploitation of bears for entertainment purposes, such as dancing or baiting.
IWMB Chairperson Aisha Humera Chaudhry expressed heartfelt gratitude to Four Paws for its invaluable support in rescue operations.
“The IWMB Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre serves as a haven for rescued animals, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to recover and thrive,” she said.
