A Grim Diagnosis and an Unexpected Turn
In a case that has both stunned experts and delighted the public, a 13-year-old sun bear named Babu at Edinburgh Zoo has gone into remission after being diagnosed with terminal cancer—thanks, in part, to a spoonful of honey. The news has shocked veterinarians and animal lovers alike, as sun bears have rarely been documented surviving such a diagnosis, let alone recovering from it.
The journey began in April 2023, when Babu began showing alarming signs of illness. Her keepers noticed a sudden swelling in her lymph nodes along with behavioral changes and a diminished appetite. These symptoms prompted an immediate investigation by the veterinary team at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). The results were devastating: Babu was diagnosed with lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system.
“There was no roadmap,” said Stephanie Mota, veterinary surgeon at RZSS. “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.”
Seeking Guidance and Hope
Because lymphoma is uncommon in bears, the team turned to studies in canine oncology for insight. Lymphoma is more prevalent in dogs, and the available veterinary literature provided a starting point for the team to build a cautious treatment plan. After consulting with veterinary oncologist Dr. Isabel Miguel, the prognosis remained grim. Dr. Miguel confirmed the terminal nature of Babu’s illness, estimating that she had only weeks or months to live.
Despite the odds, the team proceeded with a carefully selected treatment regimen. Their priority was to relieve Babu’s discomfort while attempting to slow the disease’s progression. The treatment combined cancer-targeting drugs with pain management, all tailored to minimize side effects.
But administering medication to a bear presents challenges—especially when the bear is in distress. Fortunately, the solution was as simple as it was heartwarming: honey.
A Sweet Surprise
Normally reserved for birthdays or special enrichment activities, honey is a rare treat in Babu’s diet. But the zookeepers found that hiding her medication in honey made treatment sessions something Babu looked forward to twice daily.
“One of the sweetest parts of Babu’s dilemma was how delighted she was to take her medicine,” said Mota. “Honey is her absolute favorite.”
The irony is not lost on the zoo staff. What began as a comfort for her final days became a key part of her recovery routine. And as her condition improved, staff joked that the only downside was having to cut back on her beloved honey now that treatment is scaling down.
A Stunning Recovery
Over the following months, Babu began to show signs of recovery. By October 2024—six months into her treatment—tests revealed a reduction in cancerous cells. This was already beyond what anyone had dared hope. Continued monitoring and testing into early 2025 delivered even more miraculous news: Babu was in full remission, with no detectable signs of cancer.
“This news is better than we ever hoped for,” said Professor Simon Girling, head of veterinary services at RZSS. “We’ve been able to stop her pain medication, and are now gradually reducing her cancer treatment while closely monitoring her remission.”
The vet team continues to track Babu’s weight weekly, while her appetite and daily behaviors are recorded using objective metrics to ensure her health stays on course. Fortunately, Babu has returned to her curious, playful self.
“She’s really interested in digging around in her habitat for insects at the moment,” Mota added. “These inquisitive, natural behaviors are really good signs that she is feeling happy and healthy.”
A New Lease on Life
Sun bears typically live between 10 to 25 years in the wild, but in captivity—with access to veterinary care and proper nutrition—they can live up to 30 years. At 13, Babu may still have more than a decade ahead of her.
“For now, what matters most is that Babu is happy, healthy, and back to her old self,” said Girling.
Babu’s recovery is more than a feel-good story; it’s a landmark case that could influence veterinary oncology in exotic animals. Her progress will be closely studied by veterinary professionals around the world, especially those working with rare species in captivity.
The Bigger Picture
The case also serves as a reminder of the challenges—and breakthroughs—that can arise in wildlife care. Bears, like many animals, are adept at masking signs of illness, which often leads to late diagnoses. That Babu’s team was able to not only identify her condition but also reverse its course is a testament to the dedication of the RZSS staff and their openness to unconventional solutions.
“This was uncharted territory,” said Dr. Miguel, who confirmed Babu’s remission. “But what we’ve learned from Babu may one day help save another bear—or even inform cancer care for other exotic animals.”
As of now, Babu continues to be closely monitored, though her treatment is being tapered down. Her recovery has inspired both professionals and the public, turning her into something of a symbol of resilience and the unexpected power of simple joys—like a spoonful of honey.
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