You may have heard of prosthetic limbs being made for dogs, cats, or even horses — but a sloth bear? Until now, prosthetics for this species were unheard of. Today, Vasi is changing that story.
Vasi is the first sloth bear in the world to receive a prosthetic paw. His journey is one of resilience, innovation, and compassion, made possible by dedicated caregivers, skilled specialists, and the support of people like you.
Vasi’s life changed forever after a devastating encounter with a wire snare trap in the forest. The trap clamped onto his left hind paw, causing deep wounds and severe infection. Our partners at Wildlife SOS (WSOS) reached him in time to save his life, administering emergency treatment on site. Sadly, his paw could not be saved.
With only three legs, Vasi could never return to the wild and would rely on lifelong care at the Bannerghatta Sanctuary. His caregivers worked tirelessly to adapt his environment, adjusting enrichment activities to keep them accessible and closely monitoring his movement for signs of strain. But while Vasi gradually adapted, his mobility remained limited.
The idea of fitting a wild sloth bear with a prosthetic once seemed impossible. That changed when we partnered with animal orthotist Derrick Campana, founder of Bionic Pets and a pioneer in his field. Although he had helped many domestic animals, this would be his first time working with a wild bear.
The team at Bannerghatta began preparing Vasi for the process. His injured limb was gently wrapped to help him get used to the sensation of contact. With patience and positive reinforcement, Vasi slowly became comfortable with the idea of something being attached to his leg.
Over several days, a custom prosthetic was designed and crafted — strong enough to withstand natural behaviours like digging and climbing. When it was finally ready, the team watched closely as Vasi encountered it for the first time. Calm and curious, he sniffed and examined the new limb.
Then came the moment everyone had hoped for. Once fitted, Vasi placed his leg on the ground and stood on all four limbs. Soon after, he began moving confidently around his enclosure, digging, sitting upright, and reaching for food with ease.
Vasi’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible through innovation and care. This milestone has been achieved thanks to our supporters, the dedication of his caregivers, and the expertise of specialists who refused to give up.
If Vasi’s journey has inspired you, please donate to support his ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and future prosthetic care. Thank you. https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/appeal/careforvasi