- The first World Sloth Bear Day was observed on October 12, 2022 to generate awareness and strengthen conservation efforts around the unique bear species endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
- It was proposed by Wildlife SOS India, an organisation involved in sloth bear conservation and protection for over two decades and the (International Union for Conservation of Nature) IUCN-Species Survival Commission (SSC) sloth bear expert team accepted and declared the day to be celebrated worldwide.
- The sloth bear is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List. The IUCN-SSC Sloth Bear Expert Team accepted this proposal and has declared this day to be celebrated worldwide.
- The sloth bear is a unique bear species found mainly in India. A tiny Scattering of this species occurs in Nepal anda sub-species in Sri Lanka thereby making India the main home for this species. This is also the least researched bear in the world while also being aggressive enough to fend off a pair of adult wild tigers to protect bear cubs.
- World Slotlh Bear Day will provide an opportunity for this species to be highlighted and for organisations, institutions, rescue centres and zoos across the world to promote the conservation of sloth bears and their habitats, accelerate research and raise public awareness about this lesser-known species around the world. Sloth bears are often confused for the slow-moving arboreal South American sloths.
First World Sloth Bear Day was observed on October 12, 2022
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