Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz
INDIA (November 13, 2025)— Debbie Thompson, Dr. Laura, and the rest of the team visited a local school to observe WCB’s Sloth Bear Education Outreach campaign in action! WCB staff create lessons, posters, and activity books to teach students how to safely coexist with sloth bears. Most of these students have seen sloth bears near their community, so learning these skills can keep them safe. We were thrilled to get to watch the lessons, and see this critical work firsthand.
That’s a wrap on the 2025 SAFE Sloth Bear trip! Look for more updates and blog posts to come as Debbie and Dr. Laura return home. See you in Little Rock! #slothbearsafe
What is SAFE Sloth Bear?
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs focus the expertise in AZA-accredited institutions and leverage their audiences to save species. The Little Rock Zoo is a founding member of SAFE Sloth Bear, with leadership by Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz, Zoo Conservation and Research Coordinator, as Vice Program Leader, and Carnivore Curator Debbie Thompson serving on the Steering Committee.
SAFE Sloth Bear is made up of 12 partner zoos and three international field partners in India and Sri Lanka. In its first year, SAFE Sloth Bear received a grant from AZA to help fund these partners in conducting critical sloth bear research, including preparing to assess sloth bear threat status in the wild. Field partners in both countries are working to create updated sloth bear range maps, which will be essential for assessing population trends and directing future conservation efforts. These data will also guide the next IUCN Red List assessment, expected in 2026. Future projects include supporting research in reducing human-bear conflict in India and learning more about the Sri Lankan sloth bear.
Wildlife SOS: Protecting and Rehabilitating India’s Sloth Bears
Founded in 1995, Wildlife SOS began as a small rescue center in New Delhi, operated by a dedicated team determined to aid wildlife in distress. Today, it has grown into India’s largest wildlife rescue organization, managing 12 centers across the country. Wildlife SOS works to protect India’s wildlife through habitat conservation, biodiversity research, and community engagement—offering sustainable alternatives to those historically dependent on poaching or wildlife exploitation.
Support Our Conservation Efforts
Every visit to the Little Rock Zoo helps make a difference! A portion of parking fees directly supports our wildlife conservation fund—helping protect animals here at the Zoo and around the world.
Come learn more about sloth bears and discover how your visit supports their care and conservation. For an unforgettable experience, book a Sloth Bear Behind-the-Scenes Encounter and see these incredible animals up close while learning about the work that goes into protecting their species.
Want to do even more? Donate to our Conservation Fund and join us in safeguarding wildlife for generations to come.
