Text and photo by Gloria Ganang

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It was such a great honor to welcome students and teachers from the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) at our centre yesterday (16th April 2012). There were 13 students and 3 teachers involved. The ISKL students will present a dance performance in the Sun Bear Rock event in Kuala Lumpur to raise awareness on the conservation of Bornean Sun Bear. Wai Pak gave a brief introduction about the centre before leading everyone around. One of the highlights of the visit was when everyone gets to watch the sun bears foraging for food and interacting with each other in the forest enclosure. The bears got very close to the observation platform as the group was so quite, they didn’t scare the bears at all! They also made a visit to the bear house and learn of its operation. The students did a wonderful job preparing various kinds of enrichments out of used paper boxes, fruits, honey, jam, ginger plants and many other materials for the sun bears to play with.  It was such a memorable day as we get to share information about the centre and also knowledge on sun bears with the teachers and students. We hope that this will be a visit to remember and we would like to take this opportunity to thank ISKL for their support towards sun bears!

http://raleighborneo.blogspot.com/2012/03/for-first-time-ever-raleigh-has-been.html

 
For the first time ever Raleigh has been granted behind the scenes access to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Raleigh have been working here for years but have never been able to photograph or video at the secretive centre.
 
I filmed for 2 days on an all access pass seeing the bears inside their original cages, inside the amazing new 'Bear House' and even entering one of the bear compounds. Alpha 4 is doing amazing work at the centre and is incredibly privileged to work along side these beautiful bears.
 
A wonderful experience with a wonderful creature.
  [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/KB0QjmHhNSk" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

 [youtube http://youtu.be/KB0QjmHhNSk] 
 
Video by Ed Gregory
www.thekidtravels.com
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Wong's notes: A huge thank you to Ed to help produce this video. It is awesome!
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To all the Raleigh volunteers, you are the heroes and heroines who came to build this centre step by step, piece by piece. I will never thank you enough for your hard work!

 

http://novapr.wordpress.com/
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Latest update: 14 April 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26 March 2012, Kuala Lumpur – The Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) presents Rockin’ 4 the Environment – SUN BEAR ROCK! in conjunction with the Earth Day celebrations from 21-29 April 2012 (Editors, please note date change).


Rockin’ 4 the Environment has so far piqued the interest of animal conservationists around the world and raises vital funds and awareness for conservation and environmental education oriented NGO’s in Malaysia. So far, the program has contributed a total of RM55,000 since 2007 to its non-profit partners.

Adopt a sun bear! Get free festival pass for RM150!


Led by a group of schoolteachers and musicians, and the International School of Kuala Lumpur the weeklong festival takes place at DoPPel Kafe @ Central Market Annexe in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and aims to raise a further RM35,000 for the plight of the endangered Sun Bears in Borneo. EEASEA is working hand-in-hand with NGO partner, Bornean Sun Bears Conservation Centre based in Sandakan, Sabah. Over 35 musicians are participating in this worthy cause-related fest and they include Amir Yussof, Rafique Rashid, Free Desserters, Jerome Kugan, The Impatient Sisters and many more musicians!

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This year, it has also gained the support of private sector partners like marketing & event solutions company – Go International Group Sdn Bhd, venue sponsor Central Market, environmental education partner – Eco-Knights and many more.


Hall of Fame

• 2010, DUGONG ROCK! raised RM8000+ for Kelab Alami Malaysia
• 2009, ORANGUTAN ROCK! raised over RM27,000 for the ORANGUTAN APPEAL UK to help support and raise awareness of the plight of the endangered Orang Utan species.
• 2008, TIGER ROCK! raised RM11,000+ for MyCat.
• 2007, TURTLE ROCK! raised RM7000+ for SeaTru (now known as TRRG)

Besides the fundraising efforts in Malaysia by the International School of Kuala Lumpur, there will also be other fundraising activities in neighbouring regions by Jakarta International School, Sinar Mas World Academy- Jakarta, Pasir Ridge International School- Balikpapan, Kalimantan, Indonesia, Singapore American School and United World College SEA in Singapore.


Sun Bear Rocks! looks set to rock the nation this Earth Day. You could purchase a festival pass that includes a Sun Bear Adoption pack for RM150, or contribute a donation at the door for each individual event. Remember, your donation will go a long way towards environmental education! Thank you.


ROCKIN’ 4 THE ENVIRONMENT
Calendar of Events 2012


SUN BEAR ROCKS! OFFICIAL LAUNCH
Official Launch with Performances by school bands
Guest of Honour: Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (TBC)
Date: April 21, 2012
Time: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Venue: Main Stage, Central Market (PASAR SENI)


Arts, Music and Fun Festival for conservation awareness co-organised by three parties: Go International Group, The Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCCC) –open to the public (suitable for families with children).


SUN BEAR ROCKS!
University Invasion! Gig & Showcase by students on campus
Date: April 22, 2012
Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Venue: Universiti Malaya campus & various
Cost: RM3


Awareness via Music – one day showcase event for to raise awareness about the Sun Bears coordinated by Eco-Knights for the Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCCC) –open to university & college students.


EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT
Date: 23-26 April
Time: School hours
Venue: International School of Kuala Lumpur & various other schools
Educational workshops for conservation awareness and Sun Bear protection co-organised by EEASEA and BSBCC – open to school students.


SUN BEAR ROCK! JAZZ BLUES COUNTRY
Date: April 25, 2012
Time: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Venue: DoPPel Kafe Central Market Annexe
Entry: RM15 entry


Jazz, blues and country tunes sung for environmental awareness.


SUN BEAR ROCK! OPEN MIC
Date: April 26, 2012
Time: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Venue: DoPPel Kafe Central Market Annexe
Entry: RM5 entry


Upcoming musicians perform for environmental awareness.


SUN BEAR ROCK! BAZAAR, FREE CONCERT & AUCTION
Date: April 27, 2012
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Venue: Central Market Main Stage


All-day environmental & arts bazaar complete with educational activities, seminars and featuring local NGO’s held at Central Market – the centre of the Arts. Concert features some of KL’s biggest names in the independent music scene like Amir Yussof and Rafique Rashid. And join in the fun as we auction anything and everything! Bring something to contribute to the auction pool! ALL proceeds go to Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.


SUN BEAR ROCK! CONCERT
Date: April 27, 2012
Time: 7.30 p.m. – late
Venue: DoPPel Kafe, Central Market Annexe
Cover: RM40


For one night only, this grand finale concert will feature some of the top names in the independent music scene. From rock bands to DJs, expect to rock the night away with your friends! Be sure to book early! ALL proceeds go to Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.


How to participate? Attend one of the shows!


We’re also offering our popular ‘CARE FOR A SUN BEAR PACK’… PRICE INCLUDES ALL ACCESS PASS TO THE FESTIVAL, SUN BEAR ADOPTION CERTIFICATE & A LIMITED EDITION T-SHIRT!


Simply sign up by completing a form with your details and a donation of RM150 at any of the events, for your ‘Care for a Sun Bear’ pack. You’ll receive a pack of limited edition postcards of a Sun Bear family and a short story about at BSBCC, a festival pass to ALL events and a limited edition t-shirt. This is a great gift for any occasion – show you care, by helping make a real difference to Sun Bears’ lives!


PLIGHT OF THE SUN BEAR


The BSBCC is a joint project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), which is responsible for the bears, the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), which is responsible for managing forest reserves, LEAP, and spearheaded by Malayan Sun Bear researcher and conservationist Wong Siew Te. An MOU has been signed and SWD and SFD have donated all of the land needed for the BSBCC. SWD has also donated buildings and veterinary expertise. In addition, the Sabah State Government supports this project and has agreed to match all funds raised for construction of the project dollar for dollar. This partnership with the state government is critical to ensure the long-term success of the project.


Rockin’ for the Environment presents an important opportunity to promote and increase awareness of the BORNEAN SUN BEAR CONSERVATION CENTRE – which will in turn help raise vital funds for the animals.


For further information visit: www.facebook.com/rockin4theenvironment
Contact:


Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA):
Kenny Peavy earthmattersinfo@gmail.com


Bornean Sun Bears Conservation Centre (BSBCC):
Siew Te Wong wongsiew@hotmail.com


Go International Group Sdn Bhd (Go Intl PR & Event management):
Jasmine Low jasminelow@gointernationalgroup.com
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Tel: +603 7727 0093
Mobile: +6017 623 0288

Wai Pak and I finally got a new helper starting this month at BSBCC office as we welcomes our new staff, Gloria Ganang as our Environmental Education Officer who reported for duty on 9th April 2012!


Originally from Sipitang town of Sabah, Gloria has a bachelor degree in International Tropical Forestry from University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and expecting to obtain her Master’s degree in Forest ecology by the end of this year. MSc thesis is on bird species diversity in the Crocker Range Park. She has carried out various bird research projects in several areas including Klias Forest Reserve, Trusmadi Forest Reserve and Sulu-Sulawesi Islands next to Kudat and Pitas district. As a postgraduate student in the School of International Tropical Forestry of UMS, she also assists in training undergraduate students to carry out bird research in the field using the mist netting method.
           
          Gloria is very new to the conservation of sun bears. However, being passionate about animals she is very enthusiast to learn more about the conservation of sun bears. She is looking forward to spread the words about BSBCC as a centre for the conservation and rehabilitation of sun bears. She aims to give visitors a different perspective of nature, promoting awareness of the urgent need to conserve our remaining forest areas for the continuous survival of sun bears particularly on the island of Borneo.


Welcome to the family of BSBCC. WE are all looking forward to work with you in the future!

Text by Gloria Ganang and Siew Te Wong



Photos by Siew Te Wong
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Koko's quarantine period has ended two weeks ago. A health check on her was performed late last months and the results showed that she is healthy and free from any disease. Today we started the first step of the integration and introduce her to our sun bear cub/yearling group. She was transferred to a new den next to another two sun bear cub/yearling, Mary and Debbie around 11.30 am.

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Koko's original den is located at the opposite site of the hallway from the youngsters. We use two pieces of plywood to make a corridor and lure Koko with honey to her new den. The process was much easier than we thought.

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Koko seemed pleased with her new transfer, wandering and sniffing around her new cage, checking out the enrichment that was prepared for her.


Best of all, she has now got new friends to interact with after a long period of isolation. 

Text By Siew Te Wong


Photos by Chris Bray

By now you should at least know what a sun bear look like. If not, here is a good chance for you to learn and see how they look like, how pretty they are, and how special these little known bear species are.

Chris Bray (http://www.chrisbray.net/) is on assignment to photograph and write about the Bornean's rarest animals including the sun bears. He visited us yesterday and today, and took the following photos of our rescued sun bears at BSBCC.
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Ladies and gentleman, I present you the Bornean sun bears, the forgotten bears!

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The Sun Bear - the 'forgotten bear' - the smallest and least known of the 8 bear species - needs our help! One of 25 rescued sun bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre merrily enjoying a taste of life in the outdoors - Sepilok, Sabah,

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