Kathmandu, June 15, 2010 - Dancing bear Rubina, rescued by Roots and Shoots Nepal in coordination with Chitwan National Park authorities, has safely arrived at the Agra Bear Sanctuary run by Wildlife SOS. AWNN with the help of Indian activist Maneka Gandhi successfully campaigned for the repatriation of Rubina.While in India the cruel custom of forcing trained bears to dance has been wiped out, the cruel 'sport' continues in Nepal. Rubina was one of the five to ten dancing bears active in Nepal, traveling with her owner from village to village, starring in a show featuring bear and snake dancing, as well as lucky charms.
Rubina after her rescue was kept by the warden of Chitwan National Park. AWNN realised that rescued bears like her need specialized care as they normally suffer from problems such as malnutrition, damaged feet and worm infestations. Nepal at present cannot offer specialised care.
AWNN's campaigners Mahesh Sharma and Lucia de Vries published a plea in The Kathmandu Post to save Rubina's life by sending her to a special sanctuary in India (see http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2010/03/26/Expression/A-cruel-tune/206589/). A press release led to more coverage in the national media.
The campaign was supported by Maneka Gandhi, was personally contacted Minister Deepak Gurung to convince him of the importance of such a move.
Today the adult sloth bear arrived at the Agra Bear Sanctuary. She is kept under observation before being introduced to other rescued dancing bears.
After a life marked by abuse and torture, Rubina will be able to retire with grace. We trust the medical care, nutritious food and, last but not least, the company of other bears will ensure that Rubina's health and spirit will recover soon.
AWNN wants to thank Minister Gurung and Chitwan Warden Pradhan for their cooperation and kind assistence.