5 days ago
- General
- 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
