Edinburgh Zoo sun bear in remission after terminal cancer diagnosis

Staff at Edinburgh Zoo have breathed a sigh of relief after a beloved sun bear was confirmed to be in remission from cancer.

Babu was diagnosed with lymphoma in April 2024 after keepers noticed that she had developed significant swelling in lymph nodes across her body, accompanied by changes to her behaviour and eating habits.

Following an investigation by the wildlife conservation charity’s vet and a second opinion from Dr Isabel Miguel, a veterinary oncologist, she was given a terminal diagnosis.

It was thought that Babu had months, or even weeks, to live, with the zoo even communicating the diagnosis to adopters and members.

Stephanie Mota, veterinary surgeon at RZSS, said: “This diagnosis was new territory. We found one similar case involving a Himalayan black bear in China, but it died suddenly and there was very little information available to guide us. Our top priority was that Babu was comfortable and happy in her last days.”

Babu is in remission after treatment RZSS

Bears are known to mask symptoms, making it difficult to catch illnesses early. This was the case when Rotana, the zoo’s 20-year-old sun bear, was put to sleep in October 2023 following the rapid spread of cancer.

The team thoroughly reviewed all available literature to help Babu, including studies on canine medicine since lymphoma is relatively common in dogs.

They selected a treatment option that minimised potential side effects alongside pain relief, in the hope of slowing Babu’s cancer and easing her discomfort.

To everyone’s surprise, Babu began to improve. After six months of treatment, tests in October 2024 revealed a reduction in cancerous cells.

Continued monitoring and further testing earlier this year showed no detectable signs of the disease and Dr Isabel Miguel confirmed that Babu was in remission.

Professor Simon Girling, head of veterinary services at RZSS, added: “We’re delighted that Babu has responded so positively to the medication, especially as we were in uncharted territory.

“With confirmation of remission, we’ve been able to stop her pain medication, and are now gradually reducing her cancer treatment while closely monitoring her condition.”

Babu’s weight is tracked weekly, while daily behaviours and appetite are monitored by her keepers using an objective charting system to ensure any changes are spotted early.

“She’s really interested in digging around in her habitat for insects at the moment,” Stephanie added.

“These inquisitive, natural behaviours are really good signs that she is feeling happy and healthy.”

One of the sweetest parts of Babu’s treatment has been how well she’s taken her medication, thanks to it being hidden in honey – her favourite.

Normally saved for special occasions, honey is a rare treat in a sun bear’s diet, but it became part of her twice-daily routine during recovery.

While her remission is cause for celebration, the veterinary team remain cautiously optimistic.

Dr Girling added: “This news is better than we ever hoped for, but it wasn’t what we expected and there’s always a possibility that the cancer could return. For now, what matters most is that Babu is happy, healthy and back to her old self.”