Babu the sun bear was given just days to live — until honey helped change everything.
Last year, keepers at the Edinburgh Zoo noticed something was off with Babu, a curious and beloved 13-year-old sun bear. Her lymph nodes were swollen, her appetite was off, and she just wasn’t acting like herself. Tests revealed the worst: Babu had lymphoma — a terminal cancer with virtually no precedent in bears.
The outlook was grim. Only one similar case had ever been documented — a Himalayan black bear in China, who sadly passed away soon after diagnosis. The team at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) braced for the worst, determined only to make Babu’s final days as comfortable as possible.
But then, something unexpected happened.
Veterinary experts, including oncology consultant Dr. Isabel Miguel, crafted a treatment plan inspired by canine cancer research, choosing a gentle protocol that prioritized Babu’s comfort. And to help her take her meds? They added a spoonful of something she adored: honey.
Normally a rare treat, honey quickly became a staple in Babu’s twice-daily routine. Her joy at receiving it was unmistakable — and as the weeks went on, her energy returned.
“Babu has responded so positively to the medication,” said Professor Simon Girling, head of veterinary services at RZSS. “This news is better than we ever hoped for.”
By October 2024, test results showed a reduction in cancerous cells. And this year, to everyone’s astonishment, Babu was declared in remission. No signs of disease. No pain medication. Just one incredibly strong bear — and a bit less honey now that she’s feeling better.
Keepers continue to monitor her closely, tracking her weight and behaviors daily. “She’s back to digging for insects and exploring her habitat,” said veterinary surgeon Stephanie Mota. “That curiosity is a really good sign — it means she’s happy and healthy.”
In the wild, sun bears usually live up to 25 years, but in the care of the zoo, Babu could have another decade ahead of her — bringing joy to keepers, visitors, and fans around the world.
Her recovery is nothing short of remarkable — a story of scientific ingenuity, second chances, and the sweetest medicine of all.