In a step towards ending the cruel practice of bear exploitation in Pakistan, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has rescued two Asiatic Black Bears – Sunny and Rocky – from a life of abuse.
Kept as a dancing bear, Sunny – as she has been called by her rescuers for her calm and kind character – had been subjected to years of cruelty to make her more compliant. Her teeth had been forcibly removed, leaving her defenseless and a metal ring had been pierced through her nose to allow handlers to control her movements through pain.
‘She is emaciated and in an anxious mental state but we will make sure she gets all the care she urgently needs,’ explained Dr. Amir Khalil, FOUR PAWS veterinarian and leader of the emergency mission in Pakistan.
‘I’m very proud today that together with the team we were able to remove the ring from her nose, which marks an important moment as it was her last dance yesterday. Sunny is now officially retired.’
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and the Pakistani authorities, as part of a growing commitment to combat illegal bear captivity in the country.
Dancing bears have historically been subjected to immense suffering, often taken from their mothers as cubs, physically mutilated, and forced into submission through painful training techniques.
Earlier in the week, the team had also supported the rescue of another bear, Rocky, a seven-year-old used as a baiting bear to fight dogs. Rocky was found badly injured and in shock, exemplified by his constant shaking. The team were informed that he had been subjected to 35 fights, and named him ‘Rocky’ in acknowledgement of his resilience
Like Sunny, Rocky had suffered severe abuse, a fate shared by many bears in Pakistan that are forced into cruel entertainment practices such as dancing and baiting.
‘Rocky is recovering very well, he is eating and drinking and adjusting to his new environment. He will stay in quarantine for the next few days until his new enclosure is finalised. We’ve also given him painkillers and antibiotics to support his recovery’ said Dr. Khalil
FOUR PAWS’ Long-Term Commitment
The rescues of Sunny and Rocky are part of a broader initiative by FOUR PAWS to support Pakistan’s government in its bid to end the cruel use of bears for entertainment. Dancing bears have historically been subjected to immense suffering, often taken from their mothers as cubs, physically mutilated, and forced into submission through painful training techniques.
Similarly, baiting bears are used in brutal blood sports where they are pitted against dogs in staged fights, suffering severe injuries and lifelong trauma.
In recent years, increased efforts by both international and local animal welfare organisations, alongside the Pakistani authorities, have led to major strides in reducing these practices. Confiscation and rehabilitation programs play a crucial role in ensuring that rescued bears receive proper medical care and are relocated to safe sanctuaries.
Following her rescue, Sunny has now been relocated to the IWMB Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, where she will receive the care and support needed to recover.
She will be closely monitored by veterinarians and animal caretakers to help her regain strength and adapt to her new environment. Similarly, Rocky is undergoing a rehabilitation process, with his final enclosure currently being prepared to ensure a safe and comfortable living space for him.
Through ongoing rescues and collaborations with local authorities, FOUR PAWS hopes to see a future where bears like Sunny and Rocky are no longer subjected to cruelty for human entertainment.
