July 18, 2025 - In 2003, Wildlife SOS rescued a young female sloth bear cub from the cruel practice of "dancing" bears, setting her life on a path of healing and hope. Today, Jasmine is one of ABRF's (Agra Bear Rescue Facility) oldest residents, a curious soul with a gentle spirit. She was rescued from Uttar Pradesh and this year, Wildlife SOS celebrates the 22nd rescue anniversary of Jasmine.

Like many rescued dancing bears, Jasmine was just a cub at the time of her rescue, and was being put through immense physical as well as emotional trauma. Torn from her mother, her delicate muzzle was pierced with a red-hot iron rod to insert a rope, yanked to force unnatural performances mistaken for entertainment. However, once she was rescued, the Wildlife SOS team at ABRF responded with compassion, tending to both her physical wounds and invisible emotional scars.
Today, Jasmine’s life is very different, she is one of the seniors and enjoys digging for insects and termites to snack on. Jasmine delights in playing with her enrichments like honey-coated balls and rolling barrel feeder filled with shredded coconut and dates. These enrichments keep her mind engaged and stomach content. She also relishes ice-popsicles and enjoys the cool water of the pool during the summers. She is lulled to sleep by the soft hum of air-cooler as she lays in her hammock.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, says, “It has been a heart warming journey to see Jasmine grow from a cub to one of the seniors at our facility. She has been a resilient soul and we are happy to see her complete 22 years with us.”
Dr Ilayaraja S, Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS, and Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, echo these sentiments.