Toshka is an elderly bear who, after working from sunrise to sunset in a circus performing shows, was rescued and transferred to a sanctuary to be rehabilitated from the mistreatment he suffered. Although he was initially very skeptical, he now enjoys the sunshine in his new home.
Over time, circuses and the use of animals for entertainment have been increasingly questioned. Although activists started this crusade to put this to an end, the truth is that there are increasingly more people who reproach the participation of wild animals in shows. Thus, different animal defense organizations have devoted their efforts to their rescue and relocation to sanctuaries where they can finally rest.
Such is the case of Toshka, an older bear that experienced this entire process we described: he spent 25 years working in a circus, was mistreated, and lived in precarious conditions. However, he now enjoys a new life after his rescue.
In a video that has become a trend in social media, you can see Toshka in full bloom after being rescued from the circus in which he lived for many years in Satanov in Ukraine. However, it wasn’t all happiness at first.
As detailed in ViralHog, the elderly bear was afraid when he first arrived at the sanctuary, remaining hidden for several days. Apparently, 25 years in a circus had wiped out his native nature.
Fortunately, the old bear began to come out of this when he felt the love and comfort of the sanctuary staff. Ever since, he hasn’t stopped feeling happy to enjoy this new life during his golden years.
“Toshka was very afraid of people – he didn’t leave the bushes for two weeks,” said a staff member. “Most of his life he was a circus bear, but now he’s here for rehabilitation and support.”
“The care and attention melted his heart,” said another staff member. “Now his favorite pastime is taking in the sun. He takes a sitting position and can sit for hours.”