Latest news with #InternationalSunBearDay
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre celebrates Sun Bear Day
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Wong (left) with the sun bear mascot of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. SANDAKAN: Ten years ago on 16 May, Natalie, a female sun bear and the first under the care of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) was released back into the wild, thus taking her first steps into freedom. In her honour, this date has been dedicated as International Sun Bear Day, celebrating both her journey and the ongoing efforts to protect this endangered species. Advertisement The founder of BSBCC, Dr Wong Siew Te, said Natalie's release after spending five years at the centre into the Tabin Wildlife Reserve symbolised both success and hope in efforts to save sun bears in our forests. 'Being the smallest of the eight living bear species, sun bears are listed as Totally Protected under Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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.
