The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) recently welcomed two Asian black bears, Rocky and Sunny, into its Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, marking significant progress in Pakistan’s battle against the cruel treatment of wildlife.
IWMB and the global animal welfare organization Four Paws made joint efforts to rescue the bears.
These bears, who endured years of abuse at the hands of humans, have now found a sanctuary where they can recover and live out the rest of their lives in peace. Their rescue is part of ongoing efforts to protect wildlife in Pakistan and end the illegal practices that have subjected animals to unimaginable cruelty.
Rocky’s new beginning at IWMB
One of the most heart-wrenching stories is that of Rocky, a seven-year-old male Asian black bear who was rescued after enduring years of abuse in the underworld of animal fighting.
Rocky had been forced to participate in 35 dog fights, earning him a notorious “gold medal” for his suffering. His injuries were severe, and the emotional toll was profound. He was eventually brought to the IWMB Rescue and Rehabilitation Center after being saved by Four Paws International and IWMB.
Climate Change Minister Musadik Masood Malik attended a ceremony to mark Rocky’s arrival at the center. He commended the efforts of both the IWMB and Four Paws for their dedication to animal welfare. Their commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for animals like Rocky is truly commendable, Minister Malik said.
The rescue is not just a story of one bear’s recovery; it is a symbol of broader conservation efforts. Minister Malik announced new initiatives to further protect wildlife in Pakistan, including the creation of a safari park for wildlife observation and education, large-scale reforestation projects, and a comprehensive climate change strategy that integrates wildlife habitat restoration. The government is also forming a new board comprising individuals with a genuine passion for animal welfare, aiming to create a secure future for wildlife in the country.
“We aim to create a safe place for wildlife in Pakistan and promote sustainable practices that benefit both our planet and our people,” Malik added.
Sunny’s harrowing journey
Rocky was not the only bear to be rescued recently. Just days earlier, Four Paws and the IWMB collaborated to rescue a three-year-old female Asian black bear named Sunny, who had been severely abused as part of the illegal “dancing bear” trade in Jhang. This cruel practice involves bears being forced to perform in front of crowds, often subjected to physical abuse to make them comply.
Sunny was confiscated by local wildlife authorities, in critical condition. She had been physically and emotionally traumatized, with her teeth forcibly removed—an all-too-common and barbaric practice in the dancing bear trade. The trauma left her defenseless, and she was also emaciated and suffering from severe anxiety.
Upon receiving the urgent call for help, the Four Paws team, alongside the IWMB, immediately set out on a challenging journey to rescue Sunny. After a long, 15-hour drive through difficult terrain and heavy rains, the team arrived at the temporary confiscation location and provided emergency medical care. The bear was named “Sunny” for her calm and cooperative nature, despite the immense suffering she had endured.
Dr. Amir Khalil, a Four Paws veterinarian leading the mission, expressed pride in the team’s successful rescue efforts. “We brought Sunny to safety and will now conduct a thorough veterinary assessment. We were able to remove the ring from her nose, marking her official retirement from the cruel dancing trade,” he said.
Sunny is now adjusting to her new surroundings at the IWMB Rescue Center, where she will receive specialized care to address her physical and psychological trauma. Both Rocky and Sunny will continue to undergo medical assessments and rehabilitation as they slowly recover from their past abuse.
Combating Cruelty and Promoting Wildlife Conservation
These rescues are part of an ongoing collaboration between Four Paws, the IWMB, and the Pakistani government to end the illegal captivity of bears and other animals for entertainment purposes. The Pakistani authorities have been increasing their efforts to crack down on the illegal practices of bear baiting and dancing, both of which violate animal welfare laws under the Punjab Wildlife Act, 1974.
In fact, the recent rescues of Rocky and Sunny follow a string of similar efforts in recent years, as Pakistan’s authorities, supported by global animal welfare organizations, work to dismantle the networks responsible for animal abuse. In 2024, the IWMB and Four Paws assisted in rescuing eight other Asian black bears, victims of the dancing bear trade. These animals are now housed in a safe, rehabilitation facility, where they can recover and live without fear.
The rescues of Rocky and Sunny underscore the ongoing challenges wildlife face in Pakistan, particularly in the face of cruel practices such as bear baiting and dancing. While these two bears now have the chance to heal, their stories highlight the broader issue of animal exploitation that continues to persist across the country.
Efforts by the IWMB, Four Paws, and local authorities are crucial in addressing these abuses, but more needs to be done. The case of Rocky and Sunny serves as both a success story and a call to action—emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws and greater public awareness to ensure that more animals are spared from harm and given the chance to live in peace.