Sloth Bear with Cubs | Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Hampi, Karnataka | December 2023

Hampi is a historical and cultural paradise. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565, when it was abandoned. Moreover, other than being the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, various major plots of the Ramayana supposedly occurred in Hampi. However, hidden behind the magnificent ancient architecture lies a wildlife paradise, which is one of India's finest biodiversity hotspots.
Located 15km from the UNSECO World Heritage Site, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a wildlife haven. The sanctuary was created primarily for the conservation of the sloth bear, the first of its kind in South Asia. Known more popularly as Baloo from The Jungle Book, evenings area great them to watch these bears go about their business from the Forest Department's watchtowers.
Unfortunately, sloth bears are under severe threat from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, which is being excaberated by the climate crisis.
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