By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

A male sloth bear named Vasikaran from the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre has become the world’s first rescued sloth bear to receive a prosthetic leg.

Vasikaran, also known as Vasi, was rescued in Ballari district from a snare trap injury and had lost his hind leg to amputation in 2019. The bear was brought for treatment at the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre where he had adapted to life moving on three legs.

However, in January, following a long-drawn procedure conducted by world-renowned prosthetics expert Derrick Campana, Vasikaran became the world’s first rescued sloth bear to receive a prosthetic leg.

With Wildlife SoS

Mr. Campana, collaborated with Wildlife SOS, a non-profit conservation organisation to design a custom prosthetic limb tailored to bear’s unique need.

“Over several days, Campana fitted Vasi with a limb strong enough to withstand his natural behaviours – digging, climbing, and foraging,” Wildlife SOS said.

Wildlife SOS added the entire procedure, which spanned over three days of careful molding, testing and adjustments.

“It has enabled him to roam with ease, no longer burdened by the pain and strain, but instead moving with a new sense of freedom and comfort,”Wildlife SOS added.

“Every animal I work with teaches me something new, but Vasi’s case was extraordinary. Designing a prosthetic for a sloth bear was a challenge unlike any other, but seeing him take those first steps made every effort worthwhile. It’s an honour to be part of his journey,” Mr. Campana said.

Global milestone

Wildlife SOS said that this procedure, performed for the first time ever on a sloth bear at a rescue facility, is a global milestone in prosthetics and biomechanics. “However, it also highlights the dangers of poaching and the urgent need to protect sloth bears in India,” Wildlife SOS said.

A.V. Surya Sen, Executive Director of Bannerghatta Biological Park, said, “This collaboration highlights how science, innovation, and care can come together to transform animal welfare. prosthetic is a remarkable example of specialised solutions that bring dignity and comfort to rescued wildlife.”