People Features

Oscha Productions in Penryn were the brains behind the popular DVD 'Marine Team' which looked at the dedication and skill of those who care for seals, dolphins and other marine mammals.

Bill Bailey makes a new friend

For their latest project the film production team have been out to India to find out more about the 'dancing bear' trade, and how the charity International Animal Rescue is rescuing the bears off the streets.

Use our link below to see some footage of the bears and photos taken by Martin Gaunt and his team while they were out in India.

"Sloth bears have been made to dance in the street which is a centuries old practice," explains Martin Gaunt, the Director and Producer of Oscha Productions.

An Indian sunset

"There is a particular tribe in India called the Kalandars that are traditionally nomadic. They rely on dancing bears to make a living. The trade was made illegal many years ago, but if you take these bears away from people they have no way of feeding themselves."

It is a vicious circle, but work is underway to rescue bears, and to re-train the Kalander tribe members in other skills so they can still make the money they need.

"International Animal Rescue have created a scheme for the keepers of all the licensed bears that exist at this time," says Martin. "They provide a grant which is around £800, which in Indian terms is a lot of money, and that grant goes to the bear's owner so they can train and start another business."    

Bill Bailey - up close and personal

A dentist and veterinarian also went out with the film company to look at the condition of the sloth bears' mouths. Many had serious dental problems as a result of their teeth being removed by the poachers.

"So that the owners can control their bears they smash their teeth out," explains Martin. "It does leave remnants of teeth in the mouth which can cause the bears endless dental pain.

To further control the bears a red hot poker is put through the muzzle. They put a rope through the nose and tie a knot at one end. The keepers will then pull on the rope which jerks on an open wound to 'control' the bear while it is working in the streets.

Bill Bailey, Oscha crew, and security!

Comedian Bill Bailey is well known for his stand up routine and appearances on the BBC's 'Never Mind The Buzzcocks' quiz. Animal welfare is something very close to his heart and he jumped at the chance of working with Oscha Productions and the International Animal Rescue charity.

"What Bill liked about this project was how the charity is helping the tribe members to have new careers, as well as looking after the bears," says Martin.

"We're trying to create a better understanding of what is being done to prevent this dancing bear trade," says Martin.

"This is a solvable problem and they can in time all be taken off the streets. It's important that people get behind charities like International Animal Rescue."