Sloth bears are unique insectivorous bears from South Asia that face habitat loss and exploitation, requiring specialized zoo care.
Sloth bears have historically suffered severe welfare abuses in the form of the dancing bear trade, where cubs were taken from mothers (who were often killed), hot needles were threaded through their nasal septum, and bears were forced to perform through the pain of nose ring manipulation. Rescue and rehabilitation of former dancing bears demonstrated that even severely traumatized bears could recover positive behavioral repertoires with appropriate sanctuary care. In zoo settings, sloth bears require enclosures that support their natural digging, climbing, and foraging behaviors. Their highly varied and insect-rich diet requires creative enrichment rather than simple provisioned meat. The unpredictable defensive aggression of sloth bears requires robust keeper safety protocols that do not compromise animal welfare through excessive restriction.