When Dillan the moon bear first stepped paw into The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, he moved with caution. His eyes scanned his new surroundings — and then he spotted it: a bowl brimming with fresh fruit and crisp vegetables. That’s when it hit him — life as he knew it was about to change.
Until late January, Dillan had known only a cramped concrete pen at a Pennsylvania roadside zoo. With nowhere to roam and nothing to do, his weight had doubled to an unhealthy 100 pounds over his ideal size.
“His belly actually hangs to the ground,” said Kent Drotar, the sanctuary’s public relations director.
The extra pounds put painful pressure on Dillan’s ankles and feet, making every step an effort. His rescuers knew he needed both space and time to heal — and a serious lifestyle shift.
Exercise, however, isn’t exactly Dillan’s favorite pastime. For now, he’s embracing the simple pleasures he was long denied: peace, quiet, and the freedom to nap without gunfire echoing in the background. His new favorite spot? A sturdy hammock made from recycled firehoses, where he snoozes contentedly throughout the day.
“When he’s awake, you start to see his personality shine,” Drotar said. “Dillan’s turning out to be a real ham — he plays to the camera and loves the attention.”
Soon, Dillan will move into a sprawling, multi-acre habitat, where he’ll share the space with another rescued moon bear. His caretakers are hopeful that the open terrain — and a playmate — will inspire more activity and help him shed the excess weight.
But for now, Dillan seems perfectly content soaking in his new life of comfort and care.
“He’s learning what it means to live a life of luxury,” Drotar said.
The sanctuary is optimistic: with time, patience, and a diet full of fresh produce, Dillan will not only lose the weight but also gain a whole new chapter of freedom.
To help support Dillan's recovery, you can make a donation to The Wild Animal Sanctuary.
