BOLIVIA (REUTERS) - Meet Ajayu, a real-life Paddington bear.

Zoo staff in Bolivia are giving round-the-clock care to the bear who was severely beaten before being rescued in January.

After surgery, Ajayu is able to see better and is gaining weight.

"The bear arrived at the zoo very malnourished, very abused and in pain, also from the blows he received. The eight veterinarians in the zoo are giving him medical attention and he is also being evaluated. He has been given vitamins, medication to relieve pain and reduce inflammation from the beatings," said zoo administrator Andrea Morales.

Spectacled bears are native to South America.

They are listed as "vulnerable" by the World Conservation Unit.