Usko - Mary Tsoga

The "strongest teddy bear in the world" did not live in the great forest, but in the great refuge of care, imagination, and play. With his wheelchair, he enjoyed nature, made many friends, both human and animal, and was loved by everyone. The true story of Usko, through his own eyes and his own voice...

Who was the real Usko?

Usko was found in North Macedonia in 2015. At just a few months old, he had a serious spinal injury, possibly from a car or being hit by a heavy object. As there is no appropriate treatment center in the country, he was transferred to Greece to undergo more specialized tests, with the aim of joining the treatment and rehabilitation program maintained by ARCTUROS once he recovers. Unfortunately, his tests showed that the spinal injury would leave him permanently disabled and it would no longer be possible for him to walk normally, using all four of his legs.

He was already living at the ARCTURUS facility. The people who cared for him, after consulting with specialized wildlife veterinarians, orthopedists, wildlife trainers and other shelters, decided to give him a chance to live as normally as possible. So, in collaboration with a manufacturer of wheelchairs for disabled animals, they designed a special stroller that was intended to make Uskos' movements easier.

Usko was the first bear in the world to successfully use a wheelchair, and in fact, three different ones had to be built as he grew and gained weight. In the specially designed space that had been created at the ARCTURUS facilities, Usko could easily move around with his wheelchair, even in difficult weather conditions. He enjoyed playing in the pool, walking on the grass, and the special structures that his caregivers made for him. At night, without his wheelchair, he would retreat to his den and sleep.

He passed away in November 2019, at the age of five, due to a kidney problem. However, Usko has gone down in history as the first bear in the world who, despite his disability, managed to live comfortably and normally with the help of a wheelchair.

Author: Zinovia Vassiliadi
Illustrator: Marilena Melissinou
Pages: 34
Dimensions: 21 x 21 cm.
ISBN: 9789604712472
Ages: 4+