Latest news with #BorneanSunBearConservationCentre
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Traumatised and abused, this rescued sun bear finds freedom on camera
THE rhythmic thump of the helicopter blades echoes through the forest canopy — a steady, pulsing heartbeat in the stillness of the wild. As it hovers above the trees, the roar of the engine cuts through the silence, signalling both an end and a beginning. The crate is slowly lowered to the ground, marking a poignant milestone for the team that has journeyed so far to witness a wild animal take its first steps toward freedom. A breathtaking moment in Itam: A Sun Bear Story captures this powerful scene in wildlife conservation: Itam, a Malayan sun bear, flown by helicopter into the heart of Sabah's Tabin Wildlife Reserve. When the cage door lifts, she bolts out — then pauses. With cautious steps, she enters the dense rainforest, her new home. She sniffs the air, scans her surroundings and disappears into the emerald wild. Established in 1984, Tabin Wildlife Reserve spans over 122,500 hectares, making it Sabah's largest protected area. This sanctuary is home to some of Borneo's most endangered species, like the Bornean pygmy elephant and the elusive Sunda clouded leopard. Now, Itam is one of them — a little bear with a big second chance. Her release isn't just a new beginning for her, but a hopeful step forward for sun bear conservation. Her journey is the heart of a documentary by filmmaker Raymond Tan. The film traces her path of healing and recovery at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), where she was brought after being rescued as a traumatised cub. "There's not nearly enough known about sun bears. They're the least studied bears in the world," says Tan. As he spent more time learning about them, his concern grew. "The more I learnt, the more I realised how much we've overlooked this species," he adds. Even in Malaysia — the sun bear's home — awareness is low. "Most Malaysians know very little about them," Tan points out, adding: "Many don't even realise we have bears in our forests." Sun bears, he explains, play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem, yet they remain in the shadows. "They receive so little attention. More needs to be done. Not just in research, but in education, awareness and real conservation efforts." His fear is simple, but sobering. "These amazing animals could disappear before most people even know they exist." DISAPPEARING BEARS The thought of losing this unique bear in the wild is deeply troubling. Sun bears are the rarest bears in the world after the giant panda — and they're also the smallest. In Peninsular Malaysia, only an estimated 300 to 500 are left in the wild. "That's not a lot of sun bears left," says Dr Wong Siew Te, founder of the BSBCC located in Sepilok, Sabah. These distinctive bears are easy to recognise. On their chest is a golden patch shaped like the rising or setting sun. They live in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Unlike most other bears, they don't hibernate. Instead, they build nests high in the trees where they sleep. As omnivores, they eat everything from insects and fruits to small animals — but their absolute favourite is honey. With super long tongues, stretching up to 25 centimetres, they can slurp honey from deep inside beehives. That's why they're often called honey bears or beruang madu in Malay. But even with all these cool features, sun bears are in big trouble. Their numbers are dropping across Peninsular Malaysia. In Sarawak, forests are being cleared rapidly, and hunting remains a major threat. Says Wong: "That leaves Sabah as their last stronghold. Protecting our forests here is more important than ever." As more forests are cleared for plantations — especially palm oil — sun bears are losing their homes. Their habitats are shrinking and they're forced to come out of the jungle in search of food. This brings them dangerously close to humans. Sun bears are fully protected under Malaysian law — but that hasn't stopped poachers. Their bile is still harvested for traditional medicine. Their meat is sold as exotic delicacies. Even their teeth and claws are turned into jewellery and so-called lucky charms. Worse still, bear cubs are trafficked as exotic pets. They're often kept until they grow too big and too wild to handle, and then they're abandoned, caged or killed. And it's not just hunting. Palm oil plantations, roads and urban development are cutting deep into the forest. Bears now have to cross roads between plantations and forest patches, and many never make it. Explains Wong: "Palm oil fruits grow all year, unlike forest fruits. So bears come out to eat. But when they cross roads, they're easy targets." The centre often rescues baby sun bears who have lost everything. Many watched their mothers get killed by poachers. Some were taken as pets and only surrendered when they grew too big to control. By the time they arrive, most are frightened, weak and deeply traumatised. "All of our bears at the centre are traumatised," reveals Wong, adding: "Most come in emaciated, starving and shaking with fear." He says people often forget that animals feel pain too. "Imagine seeing your mother brutally killed right in front of you. Sun bears aren't just wild animals — they're sentient beings. They feel fear, pain and loss, just like we do." That's what makes Itam's story so powerful. FAR FROM HOME Itam was originally from Kampung Maimatom, Kemabong. But when she was found, she was far from home. Alone, frightened and injured, the tiny sun bear cub had wandered into an orchard in Kampung Kuala Sabinait, Pagalungan, Nabawan. The orchard owner had gone out to check after hearing his dogs barking. That's when he saw the helpless cub, weak and covered in bite wounds, likely inflicted by the dogs. He kept her for 21 days, unsure of what to do. Eventually, he made the right decision: he surrendered her to the Sabah Wildlife Department. She was first sent to the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. Then, on July 27, 2020, Itam arrived at the BSBCC and became the 64th bear to come under their care. During her health check, the team discovered something heartbreaking — a severe dental problem that was likely caused by stress-induced cage biting, a sign of deep emotional trauma. At the BSBCC, almost every sun bear bears the scars of trauma. Some pace endlessly in their enclosures. Others tear at their own fur. A few bark in distress — confused, fearful, lost. Their repetitive, haunting behaviours reveal a deep psychological pain that words can't fully express. "It's called stereotypic behaviour, a response to chronic stress and psychological trauma," explains Wong. Itam's deep fear of humans made it hard for her to bond with the keepers at the centre. "Whenever we receive a sun bear, the first thing we try to do is build trust," says Wong, adding: "The keepers have to become like surrogate mothers — offering comfort, safety and calm." This trust is vital. Without it, the bears won't eat well or recover. "They need to feel safe," he continues. "Only then can they begin to heal." But it's a delicate balance. "It's a catch-22," Wong admits, adding: "We need them to trust us, but not so much that they grow too attached. If they become too dependent on humans, they won't survive in the wild." The goal of the centre is to ensure that each sun bear be given a fighting chance to survive. But sadly, all of the 42 remaining bears presently aren't able to survive in the wild. At the BSBCC, Itam was cautious around people, but she was placed with other bear cubs her age and quickly formed a special bond with one named Kipaku. Unlike Itam, who was shy and kept her distance from humans, Kipaku was bold, playful and completely at ease. His confidence rubbed off on her, helping Itam slowly come out of her shell. Over time, Itam grew more confident in the wild. She preferred sleeping in the forest canopy instead of returning to the bear house. Her keepers found it hard to spot her — she kept her distance, barked at them and only a few were allowed to manage her to limit human contact. She was often seen climbing trees at night and snacking on ants and wild fruits. Her feeding routine was gradually changed to make it more natural, and all signs pointed to one thing: Itam was ready to return to the wild. "One of the best things about Itam is that she never got too comfortable around people," says Wong, adding: "She didn't bond with the keepers, not even those who've looked after her for years. Unless there's food involved, she wanted nothing to do with us." This natural wariness made her an ideal candidate for release. For Tan, documenting Itam's story was an unforgettable experience. He recalls: "Nothing prepares you to meet a real sun bear for the first time. I had tears in my eyes." The filmmaker had first come across Wong's work through an article and it sparked something in him. He was immediately intrigued by the idea of telling the story of sun bears, a species rarely seen or talked about. "No one had really highlighted them before," he reveals. "I knew this was a story that needed to be told." Tan and his crew spent nearly a month filming Itam's journey. It was tough; they faced sweltering heat, long treks through dense jungle, surprise run-ins with wild animals and more leeches than they could count. But to them, every challenge was worth it. "We wanted to show people not just how beautiful sun bears are," shares Tan, "but what they endure and how deeply they deserve a chance to survive." Documenting the elusive sun bear was also no easy task. Wildlife doesn't follow a script and every moment is unpredictable. "You can't tell a sun bear where to go or what to do," Tan laughs, adding: "You just have to wait, watch and hope you're rolling when the magic happens." Itam is set to make cinematic history as Malaysia's first full-length wildlife feature documentary — a visually captivating and emotionally powerful film that not only tells the story of one of the world's most elusive bear species, but also shines a light on Sabah as a regional leader in environmental and sustainability efforts. Tan's documentary will chronicle Itam's journey from rescue to release, and he hopes the cinematic screening will draw audiences from near and far. Scheduled for release at the end of the year, Tan is currently seeking partners to help bring the project to life and play a part in supporting vital conservation efforts. "This is a chance to bring sun bears to the big screen and let Malaysians see the treasure we have — before it's too late," he says. More significantly, the film captures the tireless work of Wong and the BSBCC in rehabilitating sun bears and giving those ready for the wild a real shot at freedom. In this case, Itam's release forms the emotional and dramatic heart of the documentary. INDEPENDENCE DAY As day of release approached, the team sedated Itam for a final health check, ensuring she was strong enough for the transition. Her tracking collar was secured, a crucial tool that will allow conservationists to monitor her movements in the wild. The sun bear was released on March 10, 2025. "It feels harsh," confesses Wong, "to just dump them in the wild and hope they figure out a way to survive." He knows that once the cage door opens, Itam will face the same dangers any wild sun bear would. "They're on their own," he says quietly, adding: "But they're wildlife and they belong in the wild." This release marks a major milestone for the BSBCC as Itam becomes the 13th sun bear to be rehabilitated and released by the centre. Itam's story is the story of all sun bears — a blend of tragedy and hope. Her release into the wild isn't just a personal triumph, but a powerful reminder of what's still possible when we choose to care, protect and act. As her journey unfolds on the big screen, there's hope that it will shine a much-needed spotlight on the plight of sun bears and inspire action before more are lost. In the meantime, Itam roams the forest she was born to call home — wild, free and carrying the quiet hopes of a species clinging to survival.
The Star
17-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre celebrates 9th International Sun Bear Day
KOTA KINABALU: The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) marked the 9th International Sun Bear Day on Friday (May 16), emphasising the role of conservation education in connecting people with wildlife. This year's event, themed 'Conservation Education: Bridging People and Wildlife', aimed to raise awareness about the critical role of sun bears in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The celebration, held at the BSBCC in Sepilok, Sandakan, saw participation from around 50 students and teachers from local schools, including SJK (C) Ming Chung, SJK (C) Yuk Choi, SK Sung Siew, SK Muhibbah, and SMK Elopura. Students participated in interactive guided tours and a sun bear enrichment activity, learning about animal welfare and conservation. Prior to the event, the Centre hosted online contests such as quizzes, doodle art, and drawing competitions, open to local and international audiences. Visitors to the BSBCC also enjoyed a pre-celebration event from May 3 to 4, featuring booths from the BSBCC itself, Sepilok Junior Rangers, and Kolej Vokasional Sandakan, offering interactive activities for all ages. BSBCC Founder Dr Wong Siew Te said the International Sun Bear Day, first celebrated on May 16, 2015, commemorates the release of the first rehabilitated sun bear, Natalie, at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. 'The existence of sun bears is often misunderstood, even among Malaysians. As the smallest among the eight living bear species in the world, they are a unique part of Malaysia's natural heritage. However, habitat loss and illegal hunting have led to a decline in their numbers,' Dr Wong said. He added that since its establishment in 2008, the BSBCC has rescued 70 sun bears, of which 13 have been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Two young bears are currently undergoing a 'soft release' process, where they are gradually introduced back to the forest. Dr Wong also emphasised the importance of wildlife tourism in sustaining the Centre's operations, with over RM3.5 million generated annually from visitor contributions. 'Wildlife conservation and eco-tourism are interconnected. The more visitors we attract, the more funding we have to protect these bears and their habitats,' he said. BSBCC's ongoing efforts are crucial as the Centre continues to promote the conservation of sun bears while providing rehabilitation for those rescued from illegal captivity.
Daily Express
29-04-2025
- General
- Daily Express
‘Sun Bear Exhibit upgrade timely'
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), led by its Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, officially launched the newly-upgraded Sun Bear Exhibit at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park (LKWP), here. According to statement from SWD, the enhanced exhibit, designed to accommodate more sun bears in a spacious day stall area for public viewing, aims to strengthen conservation efforts, educate the public, and raise awareness about the threats faced by this vulnerable species, particularly those related to wildlife crime. It said, timed perfectly with Malaysia's preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 – where the Sun Bear has been chosen as the official mascot – the launch is expected to boost local and international tourism. The department added that it marks a major step forward in promoting conservation as well as improving animal welfare, and the upgraded exhibit is the result of a successful collaboration between SWD, Wild Welfare, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. 'It features newly added enrichment structures and furniture designed to stimulate the sun bears' natural behaviours, creating a more dynamic and welfare-focused environment for the bears living in captivity at LKWP,' SWD said. Meanwhile, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre founder Dr. Wong Siew Te in the same statement said sun bears are the smallest species of bears in the world, and yet they are among the most threatened, often falling victim to illegal wildlife trade. 'This exhibit not only provides a better living environment for the bears but also helps the public understand the urgent need for their conservation,' he said. Simon Marsh, Operations Manager at Wild Welfare, said it was inspiring to see LKWP taking important steps to improve animal welfare. 'Allowing sun bears to express their natural behaviours in captivity is crucial for their mental and physical well-being,' he said, adding that Wild Welfare would continue to support LKWP by providing training and technical advice to assist further improvements at the park. Currently, LKWP houses seven sun bears – three males and four females – most of whom were rescued from illegal ownership or voluntarily surrendered to the SWD. Since 2015, LKWP has successfully rehabilitated and released 13 sun bears back into the wild, reinforcing its critical role as a rescue and rehabilitation centre. The upgrading project, which began in January 2025 and concluded on April 24 (Thursday), was completed at a cost of RM230,000. The improvements provide a more naturalistic, engaging environment for the bears, while offering visitors a closer and more meaningful experience with one of Malaysia's most iconic wildlife species. The public is invited to visit the newly upgraded Sun Bear Exhibit. LKWP is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Come and witness the charm of Malaysia's beloved sun bears – the smallest bears in the world – and be part of their conservation journey. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sun Bear Exhibit upgraded ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026
Gimmick launching of the exhibit: (From left) Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, Simon Marsh from Wild Welfare, Wong Siew Te from Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Maryati Abd Lakim, Curator of Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. KOTA KINABALU (April 27): Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar officially launched the newly upgraded Sun Bear Exhibit at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park (LKWP) on Sunday. The RM230,000 enhancement aims to provide a more spacious and enriching environment for the sun bears, allowing the public to observe these iconic animals in a setting that closely mimics their natural habitat. The launch of the upgraded exhibit aligns with Malaysia's preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, where the sun bear will serve as the official mascot, further boosting both local and international tourism. The enhanced Sun Bear Exhibit The project, which commenced in January 2025 and concluded on April 24, 2025, was a collaborative effort between the Sabah Wildlife Department, Wild Welfare and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). It features newly added enrichment structures designed to encourage the sun bears to display their natural behaviors, enhancing their overall well-being. 'Sun bears are the smallest bear species in the world, yet they are among the most threatened due to illegal wildlife trade,' said Dr Wong Siew Te, founder of BSBCC. 'This upgraded exhibit not only offers a better living environment for the bears but also raises public awareness about the urgent need for their conservation.' Simon Marsh, operations manager at Wild Welfare, commended LKWP for its commitment to improving animal welfare. 'Allowing sun bears to express natural behaviors in captivity is vital for their mental and physical health. Wild Welfare remains dedicated to supporting the park with training and technical advice,' he added. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is currently home to seven sun bears — three males and four females — all of whom were either rescued from illegal ownership or voluntarily surrendered. One of the females, nine-year-old Mei Mei, was born in captivity at the park. Since 2015, LKWP has successfully rehabilitated and released 13 sun bears back into the wild, reinforcing its role as a key rescue and rehabilitation center. The upgraded exhibit is also part of LKWP's broader efforts to increase annual visitor numbers. Mohd Soffian noted that post-pandemic, the park has welcomed between 140,000 and 150,000 visitors per year, and hopes the new exhibit will attract even more. 'We aim to increase this number, especially with the new and improved exhibits,' he said. In addition to the sun bear exhibit, the park has recently upgraded its elephant enclosures, introducing a new 'Protective Contact' system that allows keepers to interact safely with elephants from a distance. Mohd Soffian emphasized LKWP's commitment to enhancing both its facilities and staff training to ensure high standards of animal care and to improve the overall visitor experience. Visitors are invited to explore the enhanced Sun Bear Exhibit, which promises a more engaging encounter with one of Malaysia's most beloved wildlife species. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Star
27-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Sun bear exhibit at wildlife park upgraded for better public viewing
KOTA KINABALU: An upgraded sun bear exhibit has been launched at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near here, aimed at promoting better conservation of these endangered species. Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said the enhanced exhibit area is also designed to accommodate more sun bears in a spacious day stall area for public viewing. 'It aims to strengthen conservation efforts, educate the public, and raise awareness about the threats faced by this vulnerable species, particularly those related to wildlife crime,' he said at the launching ceremony today (April 27). He said it timed perfectly with Malaysia's preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 where the sun bear has been chosen as the official mascot with the launch expected to boost local and international tourism. It marks a major step forward in promoting conservation and improving animal welfare,' Mohd Soffian added. He said the upgraded exhibit is the result of a successful collaboration between the Sabah Wildlife Department, Wild Welfare (WW), and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). It features newly added enrichment structures and furniture designed to stimulate the sun bears' natural behaviours, creating a more dynamic and welfare-focused environment for the bears living in captivity at the wildlife park. Founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Dr Wong Siew Te, said sun bears are the smallest bear species in the world and are among the most threatened species, often falling victim to illegal wildlife trade. 'This exhibit not only provides a better living environment for the bears but also helps the public understand the urgent need for their conservation,' he said. Simon Marsh, Operations Manager at Wild Welfare, said it is inspiring to see Lok Kawi Wildlife Park taking important steps to improve animal welfare. Allowing sun bears to express their natural behaviour in captivity is crucial for their mental and physical well-being, he said. He said Wild Welfare will continue to support the wildlife park by providing training and technical advice to assist further improvements at the park. Currently, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park houses seven sun bears, three males and four females, most of which were rescued from illegal ownership or voluntarily surrendered to the Sabah Wildlife Department. Since 2015, the wildlife park has successfully rehabilitated and released 13 sun bears back into the wild, reinforcing its critical role as a rescue and rehabilitation centre. The upgrading project, which began in January 2025 and concluded on April 24, 2025, cost RM230,000. The improvements provide a more naturalistic, engaging environment for the bears, while offering visitors a closer and more meaningful experience with one of Malaysia's most iconic wildlife species. The public can visit the newly upgraded Sun Bear Exhibit at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
