Kathmandu – March 25, 2010 - Roots and Shoots Nepal and Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) call for the repatriation of Rubina, a rescued dancing bear, back to India. According to the campaigners Nepal at the moment cannot offer the specialized care rescued dancing bears need while India has four bear rehabilitation sanctuaries.Cites rules that confiscated animals that are the victim of illegal trade must be returned to their country of origin,” says CITES expert Ravi Aryal. Roots and Shoots Nepal and AWNN argue that Nepal should opt for cross-border cooperation and return rescued dancing bears to India. “India features some of the best Bear Rehabilitation Centers in the world, stretching 160 acres with all the facilities and habitat settings the rescued animals need,” argues Manoj Gautam, representative of Roots and Shoots.
According to Gautam rescued dancing bears need specialized care as they normally suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, damaged feet, gastro-intestinal disorders and worm infestations. “Nepal at present cannot offer such care,” according to Gautam.
Wildlife SOS, an Indian organization active in wildlife rehabilitation, has expressed a willingness to rehabilitate the bear.
On 16th March, 2010, Roots & Shoots Nepal with the support of Wildlife SOS India rescued Rubina, a female adult sloth bear at Arunkhola, Nawalparasi. While her owners were arrested, the bear was handed over to Warden of Chitwan National Park. Rubina is kept at the National Park office until her fate is decided upon.
The facility where Rubina is currently being held is substandard. The bear enclosure at the only alternative location, the Kathmandu Zoo, fails any international standard. As a result, three out of four zoo bears have died in the near past. “If Rubina is not repatriated to India we fear for her life,” says Gautam.