A SUN bear at Edinburgh Zoo is now cancer-free after defying a heartbreaking terminal diagnosis.
The 13-year-old bear, Babu, was previously given just weeks to live after keepers noticed her lymph nodes had swollen.
A vet team from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) selected a treatment option that would minimise Babu’s pain, but found that she began to improve after just six months.
The zoo has now confirmed that the bear is in remission, and her behaviour shows she is “happy and healthy”.
In April last year, Babu’s keepers noticed significant swelling in her lymph nodes and changes in her behaviour and eating habits.
After RZSS vets gave her a check-up, she was diagnosed with lymphoma, which is not often seen in bears.
Babu was thought to have months, or even just weeks to live, and keepers wanted to ensure she had the utmost quality of life for this period.
Stephanie Mota, veterinary surgeon at RZSS, said, “This diagnosis was new territory.
“We found one similar case involving a Himalayan black bear in China, but it died suddenly and there was very little information available to guide us.
“Our top priority was that Babu was comfortable and happy in her last days.”
They soon found a treatment option that would minimise the side effects of the disease, and would hopefully slow it down.
The medication was hidden in her favourite treat, honey, which she was allowed to have twice a day rather than just on special occasions.
Surprisingly, Babu started to improve and by the beginning of this year she showed no detectable signs of the disease.
She is now confirmed to be in remission and is tracked closely to make sure any changes are spotted early.
Babu’s weight is tracked weekly, while daily behaviours and appetite are monitored by her keepers using an objective charting system to ensure any changes are spotted early.
“She’s really interested in digging around in her habitat for insects at the moment,” added Stephanie.
“These inquisitive, natural behaviours are really good signs that she is feeling happy and healthy.”
Professor Simon Girling, head of veterinary services at RZSS, said, “We’re delighted that Babu has responded so positively to the medication, especially as we were in uncharted territory.
“With confirmation of remission, we’ve been able to stop her pain medication, and are now gradually reducing her cancer treatment while closely monitoring her condition.”
He added: “This news is better than we ever hoped for, but it wasn’t what we expected and there’s always a possibility that the cancer could return.
“For now, what matters most is that Babu is happy, healthy and back to her old self.”
