Rocky the bear rescued from abuse in Pakistan's east and relocated to capital for medical treatment
A black bear called Rocky has been rescued from abuse in Pakistan's east and relocated to the capital for medical treatment, a welfare organization said Sunday.
The bear, who is 7, had been kept illegally in Punjab province and abused in 35 fights. Local authorities intervened to move him to a safer facility.
But the facility could not give him the care he needed and officials relocated Rocky to Islamabad.
A team from Four Paws traveled to Pakistan to help Rocky. Veterinarians operated on him Sunday.
'We were able to release and cut the chain and nose ring,' said Dr Amir Khalil. 'His condition is physically good, but he suffered. He has a fracture in the jaw and has no teeth. We have several wounds on the ear because of the fights and biting by dogs.'
Khalil said bear fighting was cruel and illegal in Pakistan but it was still practiced in some parts of the country.
Pakistan has a troubled history with animal welfare. Last December, an elephant died at a safari park less than two weeks after being reunited with her sister. It was the latest tragedy to affect elephants in captivity in Pakistan.
In 2020, a pair of sick and badly neglected dancing Himalayan brown bears left a notorious zoo in Islamabad for a sanctuary in Jordan.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Kourtney Kardashian slammed as ‘insane' for controversial parenting move & even sister Khloe thinks it's ‘crazy'
KOURTNEY Kardashian has been slammed by fans as 'insane' and 'dysfunctional' after sharing her controversial parenting style. The 46-year-old reality TV star even left her sister and mum-of-two Khloe, 40, stunned by her 'crazy' claims. Advertisement 4 Kourtney Kardashian has been slammed by fans for her "insane" parenting style Credit: Instagram/kourtneykardashian 4 Even her sister, Khloe, thought her style of parenting was "insane" Credit: YouTube 4 Kourtney explained that her "instincts" tell her to follow attachment style parenting Credit: YouTube 4 Attachment parenting focuses on breastfeeding, baby-wearing and avoiding 'baby training' Credit: Instagram/kourtneykardashian On a recent episode of Khloe Kardashian's new podcast, Khloe in Wonder Land, the mum-of-four got candid on her 'attachment style parenting'. Attachment parenting is a child-rearing philosophy centred around building a strong emotional bond between a parent and child. It emphasises empathy, responsiveness and close physical and emotional connection, especially during infancy and early childhood. There is also a strong importance placed on breastfeeding, baby-wearing, avoiding 'baby training' and responding with sensitivity. Advertisement The Kardashians star who tied the knot with Travis Barker back in 2022 and gave birth to their son, Rocky Thirteen Barker, on November 1, 2023, at a hospital in Los Angeles, admitted that contact naps are of high importance to her and baby Rocky. 19 months after Rocky's birth, not only does Kourtney still sleep in the same room as him, but she even holds him for all of his naps too. Revealing all on her 'attachment style parenting', Kourtney shared: 'One thing I did differently this time, I've always shared a bed with the other kids, but we share a room with Rocky.' When it comes to defining attachment style parenting, Kourtney added: 'I think it's not separating for as much as possible in the first three years. Advertisement 'It really helps nurture their secure attachment. It's just what my instincts tell me and what they tell me to do.' Unlike Khloe, who is mother to True, six, and Tatum, two, Kourtney 'doesn't really have a schedule' with her 19-month-old baby. Kourtney Kardashian scolded over parenting style with baby Rocky as fans rage 'be thankful for your privilege' Kourtney told her sister: 'You are very scheduled and planned out - activities, outfits, bedtimes, food. 'We have a general time but as babies, we have no schedule. Rocky doesn't really have a schedule. Advertisement 'Today we got up at 7am, made breakfast for the kids and they got out the door and I noticed he was so tired at around 8:30am, and so we nursed in bed and he went to sleep. We go with the flow.' It really helps nurture their secure attachment. It's just what my instincts tell me Kourtney Kardashian Not only this, but Kourtney also admitted: 'With the attachment style parenting, I hold him for his naps. The whole time.' To this, Khloe gasped: 'Wow, that's crazy to me.' Kourtney then confirmed: 'He's 23lbs…Once he took a nap for five hours. Advertisement Different parenting styles explained There are four recognised styles of parenting explained below: Authoritarian Parenting What some might describe as "regimental" or "strict" parenting. Parents with this style focus on strict rules, obedience, and discipline. Authoritarian parents take over the decision-making power, rarely giving children any input in the matter. When it comes to rules, you believe it's "my way or the highway". Permissive Parenting Often referred to as "soft parenting" or "yes mums/dads". Permissive parents are lenient, only stepping in when there's a serious problem. They're quite forgiving and they adopt an attitude of "kids will be kids". Oftentimes they act more like friends than authoritative figures. Authoritative Parenting Authoritative parents provide their children with rules and boundaries, but they also give them the freedom to make decisions. With an authoritative parenting style, parents validate their children's feelings while also making it clear that the adults are ultimately in charge. They use positive reinforcement techniques, like praise and reward systems, as opposed to harsh punishments. Neglectful or Uninvolved Parenting Essentially, neglectful parents ignore their children, who receive little guidance, nurturing, and parental attention. They don't set rules or expectations, and they tend to have minimal knowledge about what their children are doing. Uninvolved parents expect children to raise themselves. They don't devote much time or energy to meeting children's basic needs. Uninvolved parents may be neglectful but it's not always intentional. A parent with mental health issues or substance abuse problems, for example, may not be able to care for a child's physical or emotional needs consistently. 'I'll sit in our little chair and I still have my little breastfeeding pillow so he'll lay on there and my arm is under. 'Then I have a little radiation blanket that I put over to protect from EMFs from phone use. 'I'll do extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping.' Fans react But social media users were left stunned by Kourtney's 'crazy' style of parenting and many eagerly raced to share their thoughts. Advertisement One person said: "The luxury of being rich. Can afford to sit there for three to five hours. Maids, nannies, etc to help with the house and other kids.' I'm sorry but that's ridiculous TikTok user Another added: 'I love it how Kourtney talks as if she's a wonderful mother as if we don't all know how dysfunctional her three other children are.' A third commented: 'That is crazy!!' Whilst someone else slammed: 'I'm sorry but that's ridiculous.' Advertisement Despite this, other parents confessed that they too have a similar parenting style to Kourtney. One mother explained: 'I've held my son for every nap for the past two years and I have no nanny, no maids, no money. It's definitely possible, especially if you only have one baby!' A second chimed in: 'With my first baby I would contact nap and I'd sit in the living room holding him while he slept.' Meanwhile, another parent admitted: 'I nap with my 21-month-old for two hours a day. It's amazing. I love it.' Advertisement Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Edinburgh Reporter
6 days ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Babu makes a recovery after cancer treatment
A bear at Edinburgh Zoo that was given weeks to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, has confounded experts by going into remission. Babu, a 13-year-old sun bear 'loved by visitors for her curious personality', was diagnosed with lymphoma in April last year. The Zoo conveyed the sad news to supporters and vets turned their attention to ensuring Babu was comfortable in her final days. Now, a year on, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the wildlife conservation charity that operates the Zoo, has confirmed Babu's 'incredible recovery' adding the bear is 'in remission and loving life'. Professor Simon Girling, head of veterinary services at RZSS, said: 'This news is better than we ever hoped for, but it wasn't what we expected and there's always a possibility that the cancer could return. 'For now, what matters most is that Babu is happy, healthy and back to her old self.' Babu was diagnosed after keepers noticed she had developed significant swelling in lymph nodes across her body, accompanied by changes to her behaviour and eating habits. After RZSS vets investigated, she was diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer with very limited precedent in bears. Following a second opinion from veterinary oncologist Dr Isabel Miguel, a terminal diagnosis was 'confirmed' and the veterinary team turned to ensuring quality of life. Stephanie Mota, veterinary surgeon at RZSS, said: 'This diagnosis was new territory. We found one similar case involving a Himalayan black bear in China, but it died suddenly and there was very little information available to guide us. 'Our top priority was that Babu was comfortable and happy in her last days.' Bears are known to mask symptoms, making it difficult to catch illnesses early, as was the case when Rotana, the zoo's 20-year-old sun bear, was euthanised in October 2023 following the rapid spread of cancer. The team thoroughly reviewed all available literature to help Babu, including studies on canine medicine as lymphoma is relatively common in dogs. They selected a treatment option that minimised potential side effects alongside pain relief, in the hope of slowing Babu's cancer and easing her discomfort. To everyone's surprise, Babu began to improve. After six months of treatment, tests in October 2024 revealed a reduction in cancerous cells. Continued monitoring and further testing earlier this year showed no detectable signs of the disease and Dr. Miguel confirmed that Babu was in remission. Prof Girling said: 'We're delighted that Babu has responded so positively to the medication, especially as we were in uncharted territory. 'With confirmation of remission, we've been able to stop her pain medication, and are now gradually reducing her cancer treatment while closely monitoring her condition.' Babu's weight is tracked weekly, while daily behaviours and appetite are monitored by her keepers using an objective charting system to ensure any changes are spotted early. Mota added: 'She's really interested in digging around in her habitat for insects at the moment. These inquisitive, natural behaviours are really good signs that she is feeling happy and healthy.' Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) are the smallest species of bear, native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, where they are classed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Known for their short, sleek black fur and distinctive pale, crescent-shaped marking on their chest, they play an important role in forest ecosystems by helping to control insect populations and disperse seeds. Babu's remarkable recovery has been met with joy, with visitors hailing the 'amazing news'. One fan, Lisa Smith, posted online: 'So happy to hear this news about Babu we love her and she's such a character looking forward to seeing her on Wednesday when we visit.' RZSS said the 'incredible recovery is a story of hope, honey and world-class care'. They added: 'One of the sweetest parts of Babu's treatment has been how well she's taken her medication, thanks to it being hidden in honey — her absolute favourite. 'Normally saved for special occasions, honey is a rare treat in a sun bear's diet, but it became part of her twice-daily routine during recovery. 'The only downside to her remission, keepers joke, is that Babu won't be getting her beloved honey quite as often anymore. 'Babu's recovery is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and compassion of the RZSS veterinary team and keepers, whose work continues to ensure the highest standards of care for animals at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.' While Babu's remission is cause for celebration, the veterinary team remains 'cautiously optimistic'. Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
19-05-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Zoo sun bear, Babu, in remission after 'terminal cancer' diagnosis
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh Zoo has revealed a sun bear is in remission after they were dealt a terminal cancer diagnosis. Babu, a 13-year-old bear, diagnosed with lymphoma in April 2024 after zookeepers noticed swelling in the lymph nodes across her body. Her behaviour and eating habits also changed during this time, raising alarm. Following an investigation by the wildlife conservation charity's vets, Babu was diagnosed with lymphoma, the Daily Record reports. This is a variety of cancer with very limited precedent in bears. After receiving a second opinion from veterinary oncologist Dr Isabel Miguel, a terminal diagnosis was confirmed. As a result, the veterinary team at Edinburgh Zoo began to prioritise ensuring quality of life. At the time, it was believed that Babu had mere weeks or months to live. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland communicated the diagnosis to adopters and its members. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Veterinary surgeon at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Stephanie Mota commented: "This diagnosis was new territory. We found one similar case involving a Himalayan black bear in China, but it died suddenly and there was very little information available to guide us. "Our top priority was that Babu was comfortable and happy in her last days." According to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, bears are known to mask symptoms and it is therefore difficult to catch illnesses early. This was the case when Edinburgh Zoo's 20-year-old sun bear Rotana was put to sleep in October 2023 following a rapid spread of cancer. The team carefully reviewed all available literature to help Babu, including studies on canine medicine as lymphoma is relatively common in dogs. They chose a treatment course that minimised potential side effects alongside pain relief, with the aim of slowing Babu's cancer and easing her discomfort. (Image: Edinburgh Zoo.) However, to the surprise of staff, the sun bear's condition began to improve. Following six months of treatment, tests in October 2024 revealed a reduction in cancerous cells. Further monitoring and additional tests carried out earlier this year showed no detectable signs of the disease. Dr Miguel also confirmed that Babu was in remission. Head of veterinary services at RZSS Professor Simon Girling stated: "We're delighted that Babu has responded so positively to the medication, especially as we were in uncharted territory. With confirmation of remission, we've been able to stop her pain medication, and are now gradually reducing her cancer treatment while closely monitoring her condition." Babu's weight is currently being recorded weekly, with daily behaviours and appetite also being monitored by keepers. An objective charting system is being employed to ensure any changes are spotted early. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. The animal's medication is being hidden in honey, which is her favourite food. Honey is normally reserved for special occasions, but has become part of Babu's twice-daily routine during her recovery. Mota added: "She's really interested in digging around in her habitat for insects at the moment. These inquisitive, natural behaviours are really good signs that she is feeling happy and healthy." Babu is among the most popular residents at Edinburgh Zoo, and her recovery has been met with joy. However, the veterinary team remain cautiously optimistic. Dr Girling continued: "This news is better than we ever hoped for, but it wasn't what we expected and there's always a possibility that the cancer could return. For now, what matters most is that Babu is happy, healthy and back to her old self."
