A sloth bear that made headlines after actor Julia Roberts named him following his rescue from abuse in India is now spending his later years in much calmer conditions.
Ahead of World Sloth Bear Day on Oct. 12, International Animal Rescue shared new photos of 26-year-old Odum, including images of him relaxing in a hammock made especially for him.
Here's what to know
The organization said the latest pictures are meant to show Odum's recovery from abuse. He now lives at India's Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, part of the Wildlife SOS rescue center.
While filming Eat, Pray, Love in India, actor Julia Roberts visited the sanctuary and chose the name Odum for the bear, according to Good News Network. Before his rescue, he was forced to perform for tourists and kept in a cage when he wasn't dancing.
"Seventeen years on from his rescue, Odum's days are calm, perhaps eating a ripe muskmelon, taking a splash in his pool, or having a doze in his hammock, which has been specially made for him," rescue center staff said, per Good News Network.
More background
Odum drew headlines after Roberts visited the sanctuary in 2009 and chose his name, thought to be an old family name.
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International Animal Rescue said his current condition reflects years of steady care, not just the day he was removed from abuse.
Long after the initial rescue, caregivers, sanctuaries, and donors have continued that care.
What's being done?
The charity said the new photos also aim to emphasize the ongoing care required after a rescue, especially for an animal now in his mid-20s.
"Odum's story illustrates the beautiful outcome that rescue operations can achieve," said International Animal Rescue president Alan Knight, according to Good News Network. He said Odum's recovery underscores the need for follow-through in conservation.
The charity said donations through its website can help fund Odum's ongoing care.
As Knight put it, "Our responsibility does not cease when an animal has reached safety. As he gets older, he will still require the same amount of patience, kindness and specialized care as was necessary to help him recover all those years ago."
Where can I learn more?
For more on animal rescue, behavior, and the risks of human contact, here are a few related stories.
• A sloth bear mother rose up and drove off a Bengal tiger threatening her cub.
• At a sanctuary, a playful moon bear began recovering after his ordeal with wildlife traffickers.
• Wildlife rescuers successfully rehabilitated a sloth and watched him return to the wild.
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