For $2,000.00 you can rescue a bear from a life of torment and neglect
through The Kalander Rehabilitation Project.
For years Sloth bear cubs in India have been poached and tortured through brutal
training methods to become ‘Dancing Bears’, forced to perform for tourists. At
less than 4 weeks of age, the cub is stolen from its mother who is often killed
while trying to protect her cubs and sold to traders and middlemen at
underground markets. Trauma, malnutrition and shock accounts for a mortality
rate of more than 50%. The surviving bear cubs are sold to Kalander Gypsies who
will teach them to dance.
At the tender age of 4 months, the cub’s canine teeth are knocked out. A red hot
iron needle pierces its muzzle, and a coarse rope is pulled through. The wound
is never allowed to heal, and the cub will live in fear, hunger and pain, tied
to a stake for the rest of its life.
As part of the Kalander Rehabilitation Project, we encourage the Kalander
Gypsies to give up bear dancing and help them start a new life. We help them
start a new occupation by providing guidance, training and financial support.
Your $2,000.00 is given as the seed money that allows the Kalander to start an
alternative occupation. After surrendering his bear and licence, the Kalander
signs an agreement with us ensuring he will not use wild animals or trade in
them to make a living.
Alternative employment chosen by Kalander Gypsies so far includes:
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Vegetable vending carts |
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Tea shops |
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Grocery stores |
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Flour grinding shops |
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Cycle repair shops |
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Welding and fabrication |
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Generator hiring |
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Feed and fodder stores |
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Dairy farming |
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Carpet weaving |
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Auto-rickshaws |
The Kalander Rehabilitation Project is run by our partners Wildlife SOS, and
financed by Free The Bears Fund. The goal of the project is
"Sustainable conservation through rehabilitation". More information
can be obtained by going to the official
Wildlife SOS website.
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