𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬: 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

Text by Calista Myra Mathew (UNIMAS Intern)

One of the bears who left a lasting impression on me was Logan. He’s curious, adventurous, and has a personality all his own. After a difficult start in life, Logan found a new home at BSBCC, where he continues to explore his surroundings and do things in his own way. Life hasn’t always been easy for him, but he never stops trying.

I joined this volunteer programme because I’ve always loved wildlife and wanted to do more than just learn about conservation in class. I wanted to experience it firsthand, get my hands dirty, and play a part in caring for the sun bears.

One of my favorite moments was seeing the bears enjoy the enrichment I made. Watching them play, explore, and interact with something I had worked on was incredibly rewarding.

Of course, there were challenges, especially getting used to the physical work and daily routine. But I learned to stay positive, ask for help when I needed it, and work together with the team. Eventually, it all became part of the adventure.

Throughout the programme, I learned so much about sun bears — their behavior, individual personalities, and the challenges they face in the wild. It made me realise how much effort goes into conservation and giving these bears a second chance.

This experience has changed me in many good ways. I feel more confident, responsible, and even more passionate about protecting wildlife. I’m leaving BSBCC with great memories, new friends, and an even stronger love for sun bears.

A coconut to keep curious Logan busy.

Putting together a little birthday-style surprise for one of the bears.

When you find a branch that looks like it belongs in an action movie but a great find for bear enrichment!

A little rain didn’t stop us from getting the work done.

Making sure there’s something for all 40+ bears to enjoy.

A meaningful sharing session with Dr. Wong Siew Te and plenty of new things to learn about sun bears and conservation.