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Posted: 18th February 2026

Rescued ‘dancing bear’ honours rescue charity hero
The rescue charity is optimistic about Lissy's recovery.
Lissy is named after animal welfare advocate Lis Key, who died in January.

A young female sloth bear is recovering at Wildlife SOS after being saved from eastern India’s illegal ‘dancing’ bear trade.

Lissy was picked up from near the Jharkand-West Bengal border before being taken to the dedicated rescue centre. Her rescue was supported by Sussex-based charity International Animal Rescue.

Forest officials had received an anonymous tip-off about a man carrying a small bear at the Jharkhand-West Bengal. When he saw the officers approaching, he abandoned the bear cub on the floor.

She was found to have several injuries indicative of the ‘dancing bear’ trade, including a pierced muzzle and smashed teeth.

When she reached the Wildlife SOS veterinary clinic, the staff discovered that she was also malnourished, weak and dehydrated.

Lissy is now receiving medical care at the clinic, with regular attention from her caregivers. While she has some progress to make, the team is optimistic about her recovery.

International Animal Rescue’s partnership with Wildlife SOS led to India’s official ban on the dancing bear trade in 2009. The charity says that Lissy’s rescue indicates that more work is needed on the country’s borders to prevent the practice.

Lissy’s name honours Lis Key, who worked with International Animal Rescue for over 20 years and fought against the ‘dancing bear’ trade. Lis sadly died in January this year.

Alan Knight OBE, president of International Animal Rescue, said: “Naming this bear after our colleague and dear friend, Lis, feels deeply fitting. Lis gave her heart to this work for over 20 years and stood beside me throughout the fight to end the dancing bear trade. I know she would have been profoundly moved to see this young bear now safe, protected and finally given the chance of a life free from fear.”

Image © International Animal Rescue



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