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In Pakistan, bears have been abused in the name of tradition and entertainment for hundreds of years. They are forced to fight in an inhumane blood sport called bear baiting where bears, unable to defend themselves properly, are pitted against trained dogs. They are also forced to perform on the streets after having been cruelly trained to dance at the sound of a musical instrument. Since 1997, we have been working with our partner the Bioresource Research Centre (BRC) to phase out these cruel practices and helping people find alternative livelihoods so they surrender their bears. After being abused for so long, many rescued bears arrive at BRC’s Balkasar sanctuary hungry and sick. But they slowly recover thanks to nutritious food and adequate veterinary care. The bears eat a varied diet of fresh and dried fruit, meat, corn and roti (baked bread). Sugarcane is a favourite treat – they get it every other day. Reech and the other bears can finally live free from suffering in an environment as similar as possible to their natural homes.