The sloth bear named Odum, rescued from India's dancing bear trade, is thriving in a sanctuary and living a comfortable life.

Sloth Bear Named By Julia Roberts is Flourishing After Rescue From Dancing Trade in India https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/sloth-bear-given-a-name-by-julia-roberts-is-flourishing/ #goodnews #animals #wildlife #bear #rescue #India

A sloth bear named by Julia Roberts is thriving 17 years after being rescued from India’s cruel “dancing bear” trade. The bear, Odum, was forced to dance for tourists and kept caged the rest of the time until he was rescued in 2009, while Roberts was in India filming Eat, Pray, Love. She named him after visiting the sanctuary, reportedly using an old family name. Now 26, Odum lives at the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, where staff say his days are spent eating ripe muskmelon, splashing in his pool, and napping in a hammock made just for him. https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/sloth-bear-given-a-name-by-julia-roberts-is-flourishing/ International Animal Rescue released new photos ahead of World Sloth Bear Day on October 12 to show his transformation. The charity’s president said Odum’s story shows “the beautiful outcome that rescue operations can achieve.” He added that the work doesn’t end once an animal is safe, since Odum will need the same patience and specialized care as he grows older.