Sabah spotlights Sun Bear story
Published by: TTR Weekly
Published on: 27 April 2026
By: Newdesk
Photo credit: Sabah Tourism Board. Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister and Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (third left), at the premier screening of ITAM: A Sun Bear Story in Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 27 April 2026: The wildlife documentary “ITAM: A Sun Bear Story” premiered last week, generating a positive audience response to a documentary focusing on the emotional story of the Bornean sun bear and the conservation efforts of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sandakan, Sabah.
Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister and Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, attended the screening held at Singapore’s Golden Village Suntec City.
He noted that the documentary provides an additional platform to highlight Sabah’s focus on nature-based and sustainable tourism, in line with STB’s ongoing promotional efforts to strengthen destination awareness in key markets.
Produced by Brainchild Pictures, the “ITAM: A Sun Bear Story” trilingual documentary (English, Malay and Mandarin) has been extended for a further two weeks in Singapore, with plans for screenings in Malaysia and China.
https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2026/04/sabah-spotlights-sun-bear-story/
Sun Bear Awareness Campaign at Cheras Lerisuremall, Kuala Lumpur
BSBCC was invited to cooperate with PPB Properties on their Sun Bear Awareness Campaign at Cheras Leisuremall, Kuala Lumpur, on the 24-26 April 2026. Activities included are colouring and drawing competitions, talks, and artwork workshop with our local artist, Woon Bing. Also participated in the event were PERHILITAN and Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia.
Thank you PPB Properties for the initiation and opportunity for this event.
Exhibition at Hyatt Regency Hotel
We are truly grateful for the invitation from Hyatt Regency Hotel to host an exhibition at the hotel. This opportunity allows us to reach out to a wider audience, especially those who have never visited our centre. Through this exhibition, we hope to raise awareness and inspire more people to learn about and protect this amazing animal.
Besides us, there are also other amazing organisations present, including Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, One Ocean Empire, and Pangolin Aware. Together, we are creating a space for the public to learn more about nature and the importance of protecting different species.
A big thank you to Hyatt Regency Hotel for supporting our conservation efforts by adopting one of our rescued sun bears, Rudy. Your support means so much to us and to the bears!
Let’s continue working together to protect wildlife and preserve our natural heritage!
Rescue No. 74 – “Sandokan,” the Coconut-Climbing Cub
A young sun bear cub was rescued after being discovered in Kampung Bariawa Laut, Keningau on 12th April 2026. Residents were startled by the presence of the cub, which was seen climbing a coconut tree within the village area earlier that morning, an unusual sight for a species that typically inhabits dense forests.
The cub is believed to have strayed from its natural habitat before being noticed by the public at around 8:00 a.m. Notably, there was no sign of the mother in the surrounding area, raising concerns that the cub may have been separated at a very young age. Acting quickly and courageously, several villagers managed to secure the cub before the arrival of the authorities.
Following an emergency call, a team from the Keningau Fire and Rescue Station was deployed to the scene. The team took control of the situation and safely transferred the cub into a cage for transport back to the station, according to a statement from the department. The Sabah Wildlife Department was subsequently notified and took over the case for handover and further action.
Today, 21st April 2026, a female sun bear cub now named Sandokan safely arrived at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). A preliminary physical examination indicates that she is in relatively good condition. She is approximately 7 months old as all her baby teeth have emerged and she weighs approximately 6.5 kg, a little underweight. She has a good appetite which is a good sign and the team is confident that she will be able to reach a healthy weight soon. Her coat appears clean and well-maintained, with a healthy texture and no visible signs of severe hair loss or skin issues.
However, a missing claw was identified on her right front limb. The area will be closely monitored by the veterinary team to ensure proper healing and to assess any underlying concerns.
Overall, she appears stable upon arrival and is now under close observation and care by her keeper and veterinary team. Sandokan will now begin her rehabilitation journey at BSBCC.
Vision School Sandakan Visit
We received a visit from the Year 3 students from Vision School, Sandakan. They were assigned with task to observe the bears behaviours and spotting other animals in the Centre as a part of the learning session. This is a good start to train them to be observant and curious, which are essential to create future wildlife lover and protectors.
Thank you Vision School, for the visit. Looking forward to see more!
Little Manja update from her recent adventure
She had one of her most exciting walks yet, exploring the area for more than an hour with full energy and curiosity. From the moment she was out, she was everywhere, going here and there, following scents, checking every corner, and clearly enjoying every second of it.
What made this walk extra special was her strong interest in trees. Manja kept finding new ones along the way, and each time it turned into a little ‘explore and climb’ moment for her. She would carefully inspect the tree first, then start climbing step by step, building confidence as she went. Once she felt comfortable, there was no stopping her, she would confidently make her way higher and higher, sometimes reaching up to around 5 meters tall.
We also observed that Manja really enjoys digging through soil and exploring logs along the way. She would pause to sniff, paw, and investigate them with great focus, as if searching for hidden treasures.
While moving around, she would often make sure her keeper stayed close by her side, frequently checking back as she explored.
Another beautiful day of growth, exploration, and small milestones that remind us just how far she has come in her journey.
Majlis Guru Pemulihan Khas Sandakan Visit
Today, we were delighted to welcome Majlis Guru Pemulihan Khas Sandakan to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre!
The group enjoyed a guided tour led by our Environmental Education Officer, where they not only learned about the world’s smallest bears but also took part in interactive activities while observing the sun bears from the viewing platform.
We hope the students had a meaningful and enjoyable experience, and left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for sun bear conservation.
Rescue No. 73 – A New Little Face: LUMAKU
Last night, we welcomed our 73rd rescued sun bear, Lumaku. He is an estimated 1-year-old male, weighing around 15 kg.
Lumaku’s journey began long before his rescue. After a public complaint was made, authorities inspected a theme park on the northern coast of Sabah and discovered him being kept illegally in an enclosure for exhibition. He was then rescued by the Sabah Wildlife Department and safely transferred to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre on 8th April 2026.
This rescue highlights the importance of public education in raising awareness about sun bears. Even when keeping them is claimed to be for their “benefit,” it is illegal and harmful to keep sun bears as pets. Learning and sharing the facts helps prevent future cases and protects these incredible animals in the wild.
Lumaku had been kept at the theme park since he was a cub. He was bought from villagers for about RM1000 and raised under human care. During that time, he was fed fried and boiled chicken, a diet far from what a sun bear would naturally eat.
Upon arrival, Lumaku was observed to be very active and physically healthy. He was alert, responsive, and displayed a friendly nature. His curiosity about his surroundings and careful observation of people reflected the environment in which he had been raised.
Although he appeared well, Lumaku will require time, guidance, and careful rehabilitation to relearn natural bear behaviors such as climbing, foraging, and exploring, skills he never had the chance to practice while being kept in a limited space. Each small step will be important for his development and overall well-being.
Now, as Rescue 73, Lumaku begins a new chapter, one where he will slowly learn, adapt, and rediscover what it truly means to be a bear again.
Manja’s Journey: Climbing Higher Each Day
When Manja first arrived at the centre, she weighed only 2.2 kg, tiny, fragile, and in need of extra care. It was clear from the start that she needed close attention, especially when she began showing frequent scratching during her initial observation. She was diagnosed with bacterial dermatitis, a condition that can be uncomfortable and irritating for a young cub like her.
But Manja didn’t give up and neither did her caretakers.
With consistent treatment, patience, and day-and-night care, her condition has improved so much. Her skin is healing beautifully, the irritation has reduced, and her fur is slowly growing back! Manja has now been moved to the quarantine area, where she has plenty of space to roam and explore while indoors.
From 2.2 kg to 4.25 kg, Manja isn’t just growing, she’s thriving! She’s becoming more confident and naughty every day, exploring the forest area with curiosity and courage. And guess what? She can now climb all by herself! She gets especially excited during forest walks. Her eyes always busy looking around, as if she has so many things to do and explore.
From a tiny cub who didn’t know how to climb down on her own, to a brave little Manja who’s now busy going up and down all by herself. Her proudest achievement so far is reaching about 3 meters up a tree. A huge milestone for a little cub who once struggled and a proud moment for her caretakers.
Manja’s progress shows just how much care and attention her keeper gives her every day and night. She’s still on her journey, but we’re proud to see her growing into a strong, brave little cub!
Little Manja is showing off her climbing skills! Her first tree climb reached an impressive 3 meters
…and of course, she never forgets to make sure her keeper is watching from below, just in case she needs a cheer or a paw clap!
Manja’s already having fun scratching and cracking the tree bark!
Little Manja is trying to keep up (or maybe beat!) her keeper in climbing
Growing stronger by the day! Manja is loving her new quarantine space, and just look at those little paws getting bigger!
Adorable face, unstoppable energy, nothing slows down little Manja!
More weight, more strength, more Manja to love
1st Asian Veterinary Nursing Conference 2026
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre was honoured to participate in the 1st Asian Veterinary Nursing Conference 2026, held from 29 to 31 March
This conference provides a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and collaboration among veterinary nursing professionals across the region. Participation in such events is essential in strengthening our capacity to deliver high standards of care and rehabilitation for sun bears under our management.
We are also grateful for the opportunity to share our rehabilitation work on orphaned sun bear cubs, including the Tabin Sun Bear Project, through a poster presentation, highlighting the role of dedicated care, behavioural development, and veterinary support in preparing cubs for independent life.
Through continuous learning and engagement with the wider veterinary community, BSBCC remains committed to improving animal welfare practices and advancing conservation efforts.
We look forward to applying the knowledge gained to further enhance the care, rehabilitation, and long-term wellbeing of sun bears at our centre.
