For over 400 years, the sloth bear had been exploited by a nomadic tribe known as the Kalandars.

Originally used as entertainment for emporers, 'dancing' bears eventually became entertainment for villagers and tourists.

Mother bears were killed and cubs sold to the Kalandar people, who would then put a red hot poker through the muzzle of the baby bear, often without anaesthetic.

A rope was threaded through the sensitive muzzle and then pulled to cause the bear to ‘dance’, a truly horrific practice and miserable life for the bear.