The Wildlife SOS Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, located inside Bangalore’s Bannerghatta National Park, has celebrated its 18th anniversary. This facility is the world’s second-largest rescue center for sloth bears and has played a pioneering role in sloth bear conservation, managing the well-being of rescued and rehabilitated bears.
Established in November 2005 through an agreement between Wildlife SOS, the Karnataka Forest Department, and the Zoo Authority of Karnataka, the center currently operates under the supervision of the Bannerghatta Biological Park. Home to over 60 sloth bears, the majority of which were rescued from the inhumane ‘dancing’ bear tradition, the facility has grown from its modest beginnings of two buildings to include five large enclosures, a state-of-the-art operation theatre, and an eco-friendly bear kitchen utilizing biomass-based cooking stoves.
Notably, the center is the first fully solar-powered rescue facility run by the organization, supplying power to the entire sanctuary. To raise awareness about sloth bear conservation, the center emphasizes outreach programs, engaging in corporate partnerships, hosting celebrity visits, and maintaining an active volunteering program. Volunteers play a direct role in contributing their time to the care and well-being of the rescued bears.
Sandhi Priya, Deputy Director of Corporate and Philanthropic Partnership at Wildlife SOS, highlighted the unique features of the Bannerghatta rescue center, including solar panels, an organic green kitchen with minimal carbon emissions, and a commitment to energy efficiency, reducing operational costs while benefiting the environment.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, reflected on the center’s 18-year journey, emphasizing its role as an educational hub, veterinary research center, and a platform for outreach through corporate social responsibility. Dr. A Sha Arun, Director of Research & Veterinary Operations, noted the facility’s dual function as a rescue center and a hub for veterinary research, welfare, and management of rescued sloth bears.
