(IN): Blind bear finds companionship in cub

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Link: http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070012645

 

Blind bear finds companionship in cub

 

Maya Sharma

Sunday, May 20, 2007 (Bangalore)

Lakshmi, a 16-year-old Himalayan black bear, living in the

Bannerghatta biological park outside Bangalore is totally blind.

 

But there is a new light in her life - her beloved cub.

 

Rajesh and Lakshmi came to the Bannerghatta biological park from

Mumbai in 1998.

 

Lakshmi has been blind since birth and is reluctant to leave her cage

for the larger enclosure built for the Himalayan black bears at the park.

 

But now she has a new companion - her four-month-old cub - and life

isn't lonely anymore.

 

''Four months back, Rajesh has crossed with Lakshmi and she has given

birth to a cub. And even though she is blind, she is taking care of

the cub,'' said Dr GK Vishwanath, Assistant Director, Veterinary

Science, Bannerghatta Biological Park.

 

The cub is kept separate from his father, as paternal love may not

always be gentle in the bear world.

 

Blind love

 

But the little fellow cannot bear to be separated from his mother even

for a moment. A sentiment she certainly shares.

 

''It is very possessive about its offspring and never allows others to

interfere,'' added KB Markandaiah, Executive Director, Veterinary

Science, Bannerghatta Biological Park.

 

The delightful young creature is certainly the apple of his mother's eye.

 

Love, they say, is blind and not being able to see her cub has not

made Lakshmi any less effective as a mother.

 

She prefers to keep her cub within paw's reach - all the better for a

good warm bear hug.