International Animal Rescue Launches Christmas Appeal for Rescued Sloth Bears
On Wednesday, 26 November 2025, International Animal Rescue (IAR) announced the launch of their Digit Bear Christmas Appeal. The organization is calling on supporters to help care for rescued dancing sloth bears who continue to suffer the consequences of one of India’s cruelest wildlife trades.
The Christmas season holds special significance for this appeal, as the first dancing bear was rescued in December and the last one was rescued in the same month as well. The funds raised through this appeal will support IAR’s ongoing efforts to provide care and support for rescued sloth bears, including the well-known bear, Digit, whose story has inspired animal lovers around the world.
Although India’s dancing bear trade was banned 16 years ago, the rescued sloth bears still suffer from the long-term effects of years of physical and psychological trauma. This Christmas, IAR is once again calling on supporters to donate towards vital care, comfort, and enrichment for bears like Digit who have been scarred by this shameful trade.
Digit’s rescue story dates back to 2009 when he was taken from the wild as a cub and prepared to be a “dancing bear.” He was found with infected wounds and an unhealed rope piercing his muzzle. Thanks to IAR’s close partnership with Wildlife SOS, Digit is now a happy and cheeky bear who has fully recovered from his early years. However, the love, care, and compassion needed to help bears like Digit are more important than ever, and public support is crucial. Any donations made before 19 December will be matched, up to £13,000.
Alan Knight OBE, President of IAR, expressed his gratitude for the organization’s dedicated team of vets and caregivers, stating, “Our teams of vets and caregivers are nothing short of guardian angels. They know every bear’s favorite food, every quirk, every fear, and they devote their lives to ensuring these animals feel safe, secure, and loved. But we can’t do it without our supporters. A gift made before 19 December will go twice as far to bring comfort and care to these beautiful bears. It truly means the world to them.”
As the colder months approach, IAR is urging supporters to donate a Christmas gift that will make life safer and happier for Digit and the other bears living at the sanctuary. Each donation can provide bear treats, enrichment, or soft straw bedding to keep the rescued bears warm during the cold months.
In appreciation of their donors, IAR will be sending a special Christmas decoration to supporters, along with an invitation to send a message for the bears and their carers to be displayed on IAR’s Christmas tree.
“The world is still a dangerous place for bears in India,” Knight commented. “But with your help, we will never stop fighting to keep them safe.”
Supporters can make donations online at https://bit.ly/PleaseLookAfterThisBear, and any gifts made before 19 December will be matched, up to £13,000.