In the heart of central India, two tiny sloth bear cubs, Jimmy and Jenny, have been given a second chance at life after each was tragically separated from their mother. Vulnerable and alone, both cubs faced certain death in the wild until the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and our partners at Wildlife SOS stepped in to save them.
Jimmy – The Cub Under the Bridge
Jimmy, just four months old, was discovered huddled beneath a culvert on a busy highway near Bandhavgarh National Park. For four tense days, forest officials watched and waited, hoping his mother would return. But as Jimmy’s condition worsened and no sign of his mother appeared, rescuers made the critical decision to intervene.
Malnourished and terrified, Jimmy was transported first to Bandhavgarh for emergency treatment before being transferred to the Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility in Bhopal. There, under the round-the-clock care of the Wildlife SOS veterinary team, Jimmy is beginning to thrive. He now spends his days playing with toys, chewing on logs, and rolling about, small signs of recovery and resilience.
“Jimmy the bear is in safe hands now and stands every chance of living a long and happy life,” said Alan Knight OBE, our President. “We’re incredibly proud to support his treatment and the extraordinary care being provided by our partners at Wildlife SOS.”
Jenny – The Cub Who Wouldn’t Leave Her Mother’s Side
In Shahdol, another heartbreak unfolded. A five-month-old female cub was found clinging desperately to her injured mother, who had likely been the victim of human-wildlife conflict. Despite best efforts, the mother bear sadly succumbed to her injuries, leaving Jenny orphaned and traumatised.
Jenny was taken to the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, where she arrived showing signs of severe stress and digestive issues. She is now being cared for in a specially designed cub-weaning area, receiving a custom milk formula and constant attention from trained caregivers. Slowly, Jenny is gaining strength, her glossy fur and curious eyes reflecting a gentle spirit on the mend.
“Though we would have ideally liked to see Jenny grow up in the wild, right now the aim is to provide her the best life possible under long-term care,” said Alan Knight.
Healing With Love and Expert Care
Both cubs are being raised with expert, nurturing care that simulates the maternal comfort they lost, regular feeding, warm enclosures, and close human contact from experienced staff. But their long road to recovery comes with significant costs.
“These cubs have endured so much loss and trauma so early in life,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS. “Thanks to swift action and dedicated care, Jimmy and Jenny are getting the second chance they deserve.”
Help Jimmy and Jenny Thrive – Donate Today
Will you help support the ongoing care of Jimmy and Jenny. Your gift will provide them with vital nutrition, medical treatment, and the safety they need to grow up healthy and happy.