Edinburgh Zoo sun bear, Babu, in remission after 'terminal cancer' diagnosis
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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.
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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.
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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."
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