Babu, a beloved 13-year-old sun bear at Edinburgh Zoo, faced a life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The news shocked her caretakers and animal lovers alike, as they had initially believed she had very little time left. A once-total heartbreak soon turned into a remarkable comeback story, driven by the tender care she received and a surprising favorite treat: honey.

When the diagnosis arrived, zookeepers worked tirelessly to make Babu’s remaining days joyful and comfortable. Known for her playful curiosity, Babu captured the hearts of every visitor who crossed her path. However, the uncertainty hanging over her future weighed heavily on all who cared for her.

As part of her treatment, zookeepers found a sweet solution. Hiding her medication in luscious honey, which she relished, turned out to be a game changer. While honey typically served as a rare delicacy, it soon became a cherished part of her treatment routine. Observing her delight in receiving her medicine was a heartwarming comfort to her caretakers, who could laugh amidst the sadness.

“This news is better than we ever hoped for,” shared Professor Simon Girling, head of veterinary services at The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). “We’ve been able to stop her pain medication, and we’re now gradually reducing her cancer treatment while closely monitoring her remission.” His enthusiasm reflected the miraculous nature of Babu’s newfound strength.

Typically, sun bears live around 10-25 years in the wild, but in nurturing environments like the zoo, they can thrive for up to 30 years. This knowledge offered a glimmer of hope for Babu’s future, hinting at years more to share with her adoring fans.

In April of the previous year, Babu’s caretakers began noticing unusual signs: swollen lymph nodes and a shift in her usual upbeat behavior. Her subsequent diagnosis of lymphoma was both shocking and sobering, as little was known about cancer in bears. Seeking guidance, the team consulted Dr. Isabel Miguel, a veterinary oncologist, and confirmed fears that Babu had little time left.

With limited precedents to guide them, the dedicated team analyzed every bit of information available, even drawing lessons from canine medicines since lymphoma was well-studied in dogs. This careful consideration allowed them to devise a treatment plan that would minimize side effects while giving Babu the best chance at recovery.

To everyone’s astonishment, Babu began responding to her treatment. After six months, follow-up tests revealed a significant drop in cancerous cells. This year, as her condition continued to improve, Dr. Miguel confirmed the incredible news: Babu was in remission!

Every week, her weight is monitored closely, along with her eating habits. The keepers use a detailed chart to capture any changes to catch potential problems early. Babu’s newfound zest for life was apparent in her playful antics, as she dug eagerly into her habitat, seeking out insects—an encouraging sign of her recovery.

“For now, what matters most is that Babu is happy, healthy, and back to her old self,” said Stephanie Mota, a veterinary surgeon at RZSS. This simple yet profound statement encapsulates what Babu’s journey means to all who have followed her story.

In the end, Babu’s journey serves as a beautiful reminder: miracles do happen, especially when love and care come together. Spread this honey-sweet story far and wide to share a glimpse of hope and joy!