Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
  • HOME
  • About Us
    • Overview
    • Our Journey
    • Events >
      • Past events
    • Meet Our Crew
    • Visit us
    • Our Work >
      • Animal Welfare
      • Ecotourism
      • Rehabilitation
      • Conservation actions
      • Research
      • Education >
        • Virtual Field Trip For Schools >
          • (MALAY) Lawatan Maya Beruang Madu Untuk Pelajar
          • (ENGLISH) Virtual Field Trip for Schools
      • Partners and Supporters
  • Sun Bears
    • Sun bear facts
    • Meet our bears
  • Resources
    • Sun Bear Wallpapers - Free For You
    • Learning Materials
    • Newsletter
    • Annual Report
    • Press
  • Bear Talk Blog
  • Adopt
    • My Bear Adoption
    • Share Bear Adoption
    • Gifts With Meaning
  • Donate
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer programme
    • Volunteer Stories
  • SHOP
  • 首頁
  • 關於我們
    • 總覽
    • 中心的歷程
    • 我們的使命 >
      • 動物福利
      • 復育計劃
      • 馬來熊與生態教育
      • 馬來熊研究
      • 生態旅遊
    • 團隊介紹
    • 支持與合作機構/團體
    • 探訪本中心 >
      • 活動
      • 過往活動
  • 馬來熊
    • 馬來熊常識
    • 中心裡的馬來熊
  • 資源
    • 馬來熊電腦桌面背景壁紙(免費下載)
    • 教學資料
    • 時事通訊
    • 年度報告
    • 新聞/媒體
  • 助養馬來熊
    • 馬來熊「熊之友」助養計劃
    • 馬來熊「共同助養計劃」
    • 送馬來熊禮物
  • 捐款
  • 志工活動
    • 參與志工活動
    • 志工的故事
  • 購物
  • 聯絡我們
  • 首页
  • 关于我们
    • 总览
    • 中心的历程
    • 我们的使命 >
      • 动物福利
      • 复育计划
      • 马来熊与生态教育
      • 马来熊研究
      • 生态旅游
    • 团队介绍
    • 支持与合作机构/团体
    • 探访本中心 >
      • 活动
      • 过往活动
  • 马来熊
    • 马来熊常识
    • 中心里的马来熊
  • 资源
    • 马来熊电脑桌面背景壁纸(免费下载)
    • 教学资料
    • 时事通讯
    • 年度报告
    • 新闻/媒体
  • 助养马来熊
    • 马来熊“熊之友”助养计划
    • 马来熊“共同助养计划”
    • 送马来熊礼物
  • 捐款
  • 志工活动
    • 参与志工活动
    • 志工的故事
  • 购物
  • 联络我们
  • ホーム
  • BSBCCについて
    • 概要
    • 私たちの歩み
    • 活動内容 >
      • 動物福祉
      • エコツーリズム
      • 教育
      • 保全活動
      • 研究
      • リハビリテーション
      • パートナー & 支援者
    • スタッフ紹介
    • イベント
    • 訪れる
  • マレーグマ
    • マレーグマ知識
    • マレーグマ紹介
  • 情報
    • デスクトップ用壁紙(無料)
    • 学習教材
    • ニュースレター「マレーグマの声」
    • 年間報告書
    • 報道
  • 里親プログラム
    • 里親になる
    • みんなで里親になろう
    • マレーグマへの贈り物
  • 寄付
  • ボランティア
    • ボランティア
    • ボランティア体験談
Picture

HELP US, SUPPORT US​

Sun bears are listed as Vulnerable in IUCN Redlist​
ADOPT OUR SUN BEARS
DONATE NOW

The Moon’s Cousin, Kina

14/4/2021

0 Comments

 
Text & Photos by Seng Yen Wah
Picture
​Kina is a five year old adult female bear. She always has a bright face with curious eyes, big ears similar to the moon bear’s ears. And, this is how she got the title, “the Moon’s cousin”. Besides, Kina also has a beautiful, unique chest mark.
 
Kina was originally named Kalong by her previous owner, but we renamed her “Kina” after where she came from, Kinarut, Sabah. Kina was kept as a pet for more than a year. Her owner said that she saw a mother bear with a bear cub crossing a road. The mother bear suddenly got frightened, ran away and left Kina behind. She was tiny and had not even opened her eyes. We never knew the truth about what happened to Kina. Do you believe a mother bear would leave her cub behind? Mother bears protect their bear cubs instinctively. The cub will generally follow their mother for two to three years to learn forest survival skills in the wild. Can you imagine, without their mother beside them, how will the cub survive in the wild?
 
Fortunately, Kina was surrendered to the Sabah Wildlife Department on the 22nd February 2017 and sent to BSBCC on the 1st March 2017.
 
In the quarantine, Kina made friends with Sika, Soo, BJ and Diana. They get along very well as Kina is a friendly bear.  She always initiates play fight with the others. Sun bears are a solitary animal in the wild. However, during the integration process, the sun bears can learn from each other and encourage healthy behaviour. They spend their days together and enjoy each other’s company.
Picture
​On the 6th February 2020, Kina moved from quarantine to the bear house with her groupmates (Sika, Soo and BJ). Kina is an active bear full of enthusiasm. She shows dominance in her group. She is curious about her surroundings. Kina is not picky and enjoys all the food. There is no food leftover at all. She will cheekily grab all the food for herself too. It seems that food is more important than anything else for her!
 
Kina is an excellent explorer. She likes to roam freely in the forest.  She always has some favourite spots to stay in. In the forest, Kina spends some time with Sika and BJ. However, Kina tends to be independent. She loves to explore the forest alone, digging and foraging all day long. She enjoys sleeping in the trees when she is full. She also spends time searching for small invertebrates as snacks, including ants, termites, beetle larvae and many more.  Sometimes she will spend the night outside. This all shows that she is completely relaxed about being outside.
Picture
Can you see me?
Picture
Explore every corner in the forest.
Picture
Kina likes to explore the forest alone.
Picture
Kina found her favourite spot to stay.
Picture
There should do some exercise after a meal. For Kina, climbing seems to be a good choice.
Picture
When you stay on the trees, the forest looks more beautiful.
Picture
Have a big yawn and have a good nap!
Kina went through these unhappy experiences. Without the company of her mother, she has lost her world once. After coming to BSBCC, her life took on a whole new look. Kina is doing her best every day. We will also continue to work hard to create a brighter future for her and her bear friends.
Picture
0 Comments

Happy Tummy Kina

24/9/2020

0 Comments

 
Video by Chiew Lin May

“Yummies for the bear tummies!”

What does sun bear eat?
​Sun bears are opportunities omnivores, consuming on a variety of fruits, termites, insects, invertebrates, small rodents, and honey. Kina, the sun bear using her long, sickle-shaped claws to climbing tree and opening up termite nests.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/BSBCC for all the sun bear and BSBCC videos
Find us at:
Website: http://www.bsbcc.com
Subscribe to the newsletter: http://www.bsbcc.org.my/newsletter
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sunbear.bsbcc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsbcc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BSBCC_Sunbear
0 Comments

TO A WHOLE NEW WORLD

17/5/2020

0 Comments

 
Text by Gillian Gabriel (UMS Intern Student)
​Photos by Chiew Lin May

​This story is about Kina, BJ, Sika and Soo being released to the forest enclosure for the first time in their lives!

Attempt in releasing Kina
Among the four bears, Kina appears to be more curious about her surroundings because she is the first one that was brave enough to go out on the first day of the release. Although on the first day she spent most of the time staying on the ramp, she managed to pull herself out of her comfort zone. On the third day, Kina gracefully went out to grab some food and ate it. While enjoying all the fruits, there was the sounds of a chainsaw and blower. She continued to enjoy eating her food and went back inside the cage right after she finished eating. It seems that to Kina, food is way more important than anything else and nothing else can distract her while she is eating!
​However, moments later, Kina decided to go out again and explore the surroundings. She continuously went back inside the cage every time she went out. Kina seemed so relaxed being in the outside world as she roamed around gracefully and used her incredible sense of smell to sniff around the area.
​On the fourth day of release, Kina was now confident to go outside. She roamed around the forest enclosure, foraged, and at some point, she also dug the woods and the ground to find some termites to eat. Due to her high curiosity, she managed to explore almost the whole of the forest enclosure!
​Apart from that, Kina is also an expert in climbing. She appears to be the most outgoing bear as she loves exploring the world by climbing up trees and enrichment. By doing so, she gets to see different parts of the forest enclosure from different views.
​Kina is happy because she gets to enjoy the enrichment that was built by the bear keepers and the previous volunteer.
​It was on a rainy day when Kina suddenly decided to climb up a tree. Kina is known to be the most active bear among her other friends and that is not just because she is the first one to go out into the forest enclosure, but it is because she normally prefers to live in solitary by isolating herself on top of a tree or an enrichment. Even before she was released to the forest enclosure, she loved spending her time alone, resting and climbing.

​Attempt in releasing BJ
At first, BJ was afraid to go outside. He would normally stay on the ramp and watch from afar. However, his curiosity has built up as he saw his friend, Kina, gracefully walking alone at the forest enclosure. Determined enough to step out, he finally, most likely slowly, went out to the forest enclosure to experience the outside world himself. It was soon enough when BJ finally felt secure when he stepped outside. He began to love being outside.

​BJ still in doubt whether or not he wanted to go outside.
​Not feeling sure enough, he just spent the entire time resting on the ramp and looking at the forest enclosure from afar. Questioning whether or not he should give it a try.
​Finally, he decided to go down.
​Slowly but surely.
​His natural instinct kicked in as he inhaled the smell of the earth.
​Now that he finally has begun to trust the outside world, he has no problem enjoying his delicious food in the forest enclosure.

​Attempt in releasing Sika
On the first day of releasing Sika to the forest enclosure, it was really a tough one as she refused to go out, even with many trials. Food was scattered all over the place so that she had the urge to go outside. She normally stayed on the ramp and instead of pulling herself out to experience the forest enclosure on her own, she remained still. She was not curious enough to explore the outside world and apparently, she loves staying in her comfort zone. She loves staying where she feels at ease.
​Battling with her own thoughts, Sika finally made a decision to go out. But the only way she got distracted and was willing to go down was when honey was applied all over the stairs. With that, she got distracted by the delicious and sweet taste.
​She climbed down step by step, licking the delicious honey that was in her way. What a great start she thought to herself.
​Now that she was finally out, she got super curious with her surroundings. She was pretty amazed by the new place that she was introduced to. A new home with a lot more to explore.
Getting super curious, she sniffed around the forest enclosure, foraging and roaming around. Then she slowly started to like the outside world more than where she used to be. The taste of freedom was now in her bones.
​Realizing how big the forest enclosure is, Sika then gets super comfortable staying outside. Bigger space for her to roam around. Even though she took a long time to finally decide to go out compared to her two other friends, BJ and Kina, she is the one who spends a long time in the forest enclosure. There are times when she does not go back to the cage at all. Sika also loves climbing as much as Kina does, she will spend most of the time on the tree and not want to go down.
 
Attempt in releasing Soo
Being kept as a pet at a very young age makes Soo less confident to interact with the outside world. Traumatized by her past, she is less active than the rest. Days of attempting to release Soo to the forest enclosure have been difficult as she only stays on the ramp or inside the cage. Not brave enough to go out.
​However, she still tries to fight her trauma by taking baby steps and she still tries to build up all her courage. Even though she only stays on the ramp most of the time, she is still able to witness the outside world from the cage.
​Instead of using the stairs as the trail to go down, she climbed down from the ramp. This shows that Soo is really attempting to go out. However, she still needs time to be fully ready.
 
I hope that in the future, all of the bears, Kina, BJ, Sika, and Soo are comfortable enough to stay outside in the forest enclosure. They were kept as pets before, and being kept inside a house has now built curiosity for some of them, such as Sika and Kina. This is why when introduced to the outside world, they got so excited and preferred to stay outside. The taste of freedom excites them. However, this does not apply to BJ and Soo. Instead of building curiosity, they are in fear. Fear of what the outside world is actually like. It takes time for them to build up their trust. With that, a release to the forest enclosure is a great opportunity to give them the life that they deserve and to promote their natural instincts.
0 Comments

On Their Way to the Forest Enclosure

15/4/2020

0 Comments

 
Text by Ezi Nurayu binti Abd. Wahab (UMS Intern student)
Photos by Seng Yen Wah & Chiew Lin May

​The time to do fence training for BJ, Soo, Kina and Sika before they could be released into the forest enclosure had come. Fence training is very important for us to do as it helps to prevent the sun bears from escaping in the forest either to another pen or out of BSBCC’s area. Not to worry as the fence voltage will never be harmful to them because it is always controllable by our respective staff. The bears will proceed to enter the forest enclosure only if they pass the fence training. These fence training sessions are completed almost every day for roughly a month.
 
First and foremost, let me briefly explain the history of these four bears. Kina, is rescue bear (55), followed by Sika (56), Soo (57) and BJ (61). When referring to Kina’s name, we know that she was from Kinarut District, Sika was from the village of Sikalabaan in Pensiangan district, Soo’s name was given by her previous owner because she was bought from Sook Keningau Market, and lastly BJ was from Pitas before he was handed to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park when he just five months old. All of them were kept as pets by the villagers before being rescued.
 
Okay, let’s begin with Sika. She was the first candidate among the four of them which we did the fence training with. But, unfortunately she was the last one who passed the fence training. On her first day of training, she was very cautious to step on the ramp to get the food. She almost finished her food (only a few pieces were left). Unfortunately, she got zapped later by the hotwire and she responded by climbing the fence. You can see in the picture (Photo 1) below how she got zapped by the hotwire. But then, Sika improved day by day. The days before she successfully passed the fence training, she already knew about the hotwire, so she kept her distance from it. She also ate the food which was placed on the ramp. She was the last candidate declared as passed because she kept avoiding going close to the food near the hotwire on her last days before she was considered passed.
 

Picture
Photo 2: Sika went down to the lower ramp to grab her food.
Picture
Photo 3: Sika curious and alert!
Let’s move to Kina, the brave girl. She is a very good explorer when it comes to food (a little bit of a big eater). The day we observed them as a group, she was the very dominant one by monopolising the food. She already knew from training each day how to grab the food without touching the electric fence, even though the food was located underneath the fence. Maybe, because she already got zapped on her first day of training and days after, she knew how to defend herself from getting zapped later. Kina together with BJ always finished the food in the training pen. By the way, she was the second one after Soo that successfully passed in this fence training session and on March 29th, 2020, she was released into the forest enclosure (Pen G).
​
Congratulations to our, Kina!
Picture
Photo 4: Kina was ready to fill her tummy with carrots and bananas.
Picture
Photo 5: Our best food explorer!

​Next, our one and only male bear in this group, BJ. On BJ’s first day carrying out fence training, he was really scared to walk and get his food. You can see in the picture (Photo 6) below how he tried to grab his food. He always laid down to grab his food. A few times, his front legs touched the top ramp. He never touched the ramp with all four legs at once. He was very cautious with his new and unfamiliar surroundings. So as a result for his first day, he never got zapped due to his cautious behaviour. However, this originally cautious bear became braver each day, especially when the four of them were released into the training pen together. He knew how to get his food and never hesitated to walk on the ramp and below ground as well with his four legs.
​
Good job, BJ
Picture
Photo 6: Our handsome BJ tried to grab his food by laying down his body on his first day being trained.
Picture
Photo 7: BJ had already touched the ramp with all four legs on his second day being trained.
Picture
Photo 8: BJ and Kina ate the bananas and licked the honey on the ramp.

​And the last bear being observed was Soo. Pity for Soo, on her first time being trained, she got zapped on several occasions. Her response to the zap was barking a few times. Gradually she became more alert to the electric fence, even though most of the time she rarely got out from her cage. But, she still went out to the training pen sometimes to get her food. Guess what, surprisingly Soo became braver recently. Even with the guillotine door closed, Soo and Kina never cared about that. They still continued their beautiful journey in the training pen by only thinking about the food. Big applause to Soo, even though she was the very inactive one during several days in observation (spent most of the time in her cage), lately a plot twist has happened, and the upshot of that is she was the first one to successfully pass the fence training session.
Picture
Photo 9: Soo standing in the training pen.
Picture
Photo 10: Soo, BJ and Kina extremely focused on their food on the ground.
Picture
Photo 11: Kina and BJ just starting their journey to get the available food in the training pen.

Bravos to Sika, Kina, BJ and Soo! Welcome to your new world!
​
This is the time for them to explore the outside environment on their own and be independent. I am so sure that this is what every animal wants. They can move in a much larger area compared to their cage and see the bright world. Fence training is never as bad as some people think. This is a crucial step before giving the bears their ‘dream world’.
0 Comments

THE PATH TOWARDS BEING A SUN BEAR

22/2/2020

0 Comments

 
Text by Pradeep Gunasegaran
Photos by Chiew Lin May & Seng Yen Wah
​The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) has been responsible for the care of 4 bears that were received between 2017 and 2018. These four bears are Soo (5 years old), BJ (4 years old), Kina (4 years old), and Sika (3 years old). All four of them were ‘raised’ by people as cubs before they were handed over to BSBCC through Sabah Wildlife Department or personally by the owner. Soo was bought at Sook Keningau Market, BJ was bought for RM 300 in Pitas and Sika was kept as in a pet in Pensiangan in a chicken mesh cage by her owner while Kina was claimed by her caretaker to have been abandoned by her mother by the roadside at Kota Marudu. They grew up without the care of their mothers as their mothers were probably killed by poachers but BSBCC do see potential in them to behave like wild bears due to their age and with the proper rehabilitation process in the next few years. In order to proceed with their rehabilitation process, they would need to be transferred to the Bear House. Due to the high stocking density at BSBCC, three older bears; Phin, Wan Wan and Mamatai would need to be brought to the quarantine while another two older bears; Om and Ronnie would need to be rotated in the Bear House.
​The transfer process was done through three phases in order for the bears to not get too stress. During the first phase BJ and Kina were transferred into translocation boxes at Quarantine while Phin was darted. Once the 3 bears were ready for transfer, Phin was brought to Quarantine while BJ and Kina was brought to Bear House 2. The second phase was involving the darting of Mamatai and Wan Wan and then bringing them to Quarantine. By the end of Phase 2, Om and Ronnie were transferred to a different section of Bear House 2 using the sky bridge structure. The last phase was then completed with the darting and transfer of Soo and Sika from Quarantine to Bear House 2. The entire transfer process of all nine sun bears followed through really smoothly without any undesirable incidences. 

Read More
0 Comments

BJ the bear makes new friends

29/12/2018

1 Comment

 
Text and Photos by Chiew Lin May
Picture
On the 2nd of March 2017, a sun bear cub was handed over to the Sabah Wildlife Department named BJ. He was found after being purchased in Sonsogon village, Pitas, and was sold for the price of RM 300 and then was kept as a pet. He arrived at BSBCC on the 22nd of November, 2018. He is a two year old, sub adult male bear weighing 32.20kg.
​
After living alone in a cage, BJ was finally free from trauma and now has made some friends for the first time in his life. On the 14th of December 2018, BJ was integrated into a larger social group of female bears – Kina, Sika, Soo and Diana, who would help him adjust to his new life and learn how to be a bear again! 
Picture
Integration with Kina
Picture
Integration with Sika
Picture
Integration with Soo
Picture
Integration with Diana

​​Here we can see how the introduction went:
Picture
Nose to nose – bear GREETING!
Picture
Approaches
Picture
Pawing
Picture
Showing canines
Picture
Fun with biting and chasing
Picture
Seem to be friends
Picture
Getting along well

​As soon as BJ saw his new friends, he stood up on his hind legs, began sniffing and pawing them to start play fighting! They showed their strong canines and sharp claws!
Picture

​​He was such a handsome and kind bear towards the group. It is good to know that he is welcomed by them and they also rely on each other for comfort, protection and love. Although sun bears are by nature solitary animals in the wild, the bond between a mother and her cub is strong during the time they are together. During the integration, sun bears can learn from each other as they communicate and play together.
​
Picture
Picture
Picture
​BJ has proven himself to be a friendly bear. He also smiles which shows a few wrinkles on his face. 
Picture
​
It is great that BJ has accepted this wonderful new friendship. Kina and Sika are BJ’s bear play friends. 
​
Picture

Sometimes, BJ wants to play with Soo and Diana, but both of the female bears seem to ignore him. Once BJ started sharing the large dens with the other female bears, he immediately began exploring. He has found the simple pleasure of good friends. He is a happy go lucky bear who loves running around the dens and convinces the others to play with him by sniffing or pulling them. He is always filled with curiosity and enjoys exploring the enrichment around the dens. 
​
Picture

They spend their days wandering around the dens, digging up the dead wood, climbing on the structural enrichment and sharing their toys. They are doing things together and seem to enjoy each other’s company.
​
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
That is a good thing, as they can learn from each other

​For the rest of their first week together, there was no aggression found and they were accepting of each other as it did not take too long for them to become social. Now he has four lovely female bears to keep him company. It was a delight to see him grow into a healthy and loving bear where he could truly be himself.
1 Comment

Heal From Sorrowful

4/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Text & Photos by Seng Yen Wah

Soo is a four year old female, sub adult bear. She was purchased with the price of RM350 when she was still a cub in Karamatoi Village in Sook Keningau market. After that, she was kept as a house pet in Nambayan village in Tambunan for two years. She was rescued by the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and transferred to BSBCC on the 8th of September, 2017. Soo is very alert with her surroundings. She easily gets stressed and starts to pace aggressively when she hears loud, machine noises. This stereotypic behaviour is the consequence of her past life of living as a caged pet. She took a long time to adapt herself. There must be a way to help her more. Maybe it is time for her to have bear friends!

Let’s introduce you Soo’s friends, Diana (12 years old female adult bear), Kina (three years old female sub adult bear), and Sika (two years old female sub adult bear). Kina and Sika integrated on the 19th of November 2017. After that, Diana joined Kina and Sika on 13th of April 2018. And on the 2nd of September 2018, Soo meet them all for the first time.

Soo is curious about the appearance of a new bear beside her cage. She sniffed on the sliding door. The sliding door opens slowly and Sika is waiting for her at another side. This is the first time Soo met a bear. Soo is anxious. She vocalized with Sika when Sika came close. She would like to play with Sika but she doesn’t know how to do it. She shows defensive behaviour which Sika does not like. Therefore the first time is not pleasant. 
Picture
Soo is sniffing on the sliding door because Sika just at another side of the door.
Picture
First met with Sika is not pleasant.
Picture
Soo is standing higher to defend herself.
​The second day of integration is Kina’s turn. Kina shows more curiosity about Soo. She tried to initiate play fight with Soo, who is still nervous about her first friendship. Soo demonstrates a big response to Kina’s approach, but this did not stop Kina and still tried getting close to her. If Soo is being stressed at the moment, Kina will not disturb her. 
Picture
“This is not the bear that I met yesterday!” – Soo
Picture
Kina and Soo is having almost the same size!
​Soo took her time and she tried her best to become friends with Diana, Kina and Sika. They are getting along well now! Only sometimes, Diana is on her temper and shows her aggression to Sika and Soo by vocalizing. But, there would never be a problem for them to stay together. They play fight with whoever they want. They share their food and also rest together. It is so good to see Soo’s improvement since her first arrival. We really hope Soo can live in a better life with her bear friends and we hope to see her grow into a strong and brave bear!
Picture
Never getting bored in playing fight!
Picture
They are having a good time!
Picture
Every bear have an Aussie Dog Ball. This is fair enough!
Picture
Eat together and share later!
0 Comments

Diana Meets Fun-Loving Youngster Friends

28/5/2018

0 Comments

 
Text and Photos by Chiew Lin May
Picture

​Diana was kept in a concrete floor cage and was displayed to the public at View Top Resort, Tawau, on the South East coast of Sabah, for about ten years. She was rescued by Sabah Wildlife Department on the 31st of July 2013, and was then brought to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) on the 10th of March, 2014. Upon arrival, she was in a bad condition with existing open wounds on the right maxillary area and had unhealthy gums due to fighting with another male, adult sun bear as they were both kept together in a cage. We will never know what happened to her mother, but this can illustrate how vulnerable wild sun bears are to threats from poachers. Stolen from life in the forest, Diana will never be taught by her mother how to survive in the wild.

This year we still continue to fight the battle to rescue illegal pet trade victims in Sabah. Due to the dens in our bear houses and quarantine being full, our team has decided to let Diana meet with two lovely young female bears, Sika and Kina, in quarantine.
Picture
They were moved to larger dens to begin integration. On the 13th of April 2018, it was time for Diana to make these new friendships.
Picture
Once the door was opened, gorgeous Sika showed more interest towards Diana by pawing and wrestling her in a gentle way.
Picture
Kina slowly came to meet Diana and joined in the play fight too – with lots and lots of happy play fighting!
Picture
Diana was excited at her first encounter with Sika and Kina.
Picture
Diana was excited at her first encounter with Sika and Kina.
Picture
Diana is like a grandma to them!
Picture
Diana is like a grandma to them!
Picture
They seem to get along well, except when there are coconut treats. Kina and Diana do not mess with Sika.
Picture
They immediately enjoyed their new dens which were full of natural habitat enrichments such as dead wood, green leaves, climbing structures, a sleeping platform, and a hammock. These enrichment activities are all designed to stimulate natural behaviour and keep them active.

​
Picture
They are happily busy finding treats hidden here and there.
Picture
For Diana, though not much of a foodie, she enjoys eating fruit.
Picture
Once their tummy is full, it must be time to play!
Picture
They spend their days wandering around their large dens, tearing open hessian sacks, digging up termites, rolling, and climbing on the structural enrichment.
Picture
They spend their days wandering around their large dens, tearing open hessian sacks, digging up termites, rolling, and climbing on the structural enrichment.
Picture
They spend their days wandering around their large dens, tearing open hessian sacks, digging up termites, rolling, and climbing on the structural enrichment.
Picture
They spend their days wandering around their large dens, tearing open hessian sacks, digging up termites, rolling, and climbing on the structural enrichment.
Picture
They spend their days wandering around their large dens, tearing open hessian sacks, digging up termites, rolling, and climbing on the structural enrichment.
Picture
Diana still cannot figure out how Sika and Kina get up to the sleeping platform, but she will just sit and look around the outside where she enjoys the smell of freedom.
Picture
Sometimes the three bears will just explore in their own world of fun and mischief.
Picture
Sika and Kina are particularly fond of destroying enrichment toys first.
Picture
Sika and Kina are particularly fond of destroying enrichment toys first.
Picture
They would have learnt the forest skills they need to survive in the wild.
Picture
They would have learnt the forest skills they need to survive in the wild.

​They all have their own spot for napping.
Picture
Diana will choose the basket
Picture
Sika’s is in the hammock
Picture
Kina takes naps on random platform
Picture
They are having a great time together
Picture
They are learning how to trust and to ensure they have all that they deserve!
Picture
It is a pleasure to see that Diana has grown close to the fun-loving youngsters, Sika and Kina.

​Our sun bears are rescued and undergo rehabilitation at our centre. They have suffered some physical disabilities or psychological trauma from their time kept in captivity. Through this integration, life is getting better for these bears that have lived with pain and trauma for so long. For Diana, single enrichment and the company of new friends can make her day.
0 Comments

A Pair of Happy and Lovely Bears

19/12/2017

0 Comments

 
​Text by Seng Yen Wah
Photos by Chiew Lin May & Seng Yen Wah

Kina is a two year-old female sub-adult bear. She was originally named “Kalong” by the previous owner, but her name has been changed to “Kina”, after the place where she was kept at Kinarut, Sabah. Kinarut is a town in Sabah state, located about 20 kilometres south of the state capital, Kota Kinabalu. Kina had been kept as a pet illegally for a year. Her owner claimed that Kina was abandoned by her mother. The story starts with a mother and her cub crossing a road and getting frightened, and then she ran away without bringing her cub with her. The cub is Kina, who had not even opened her eyes yet. Then, her owner took her and kept her for more than a year. After a year keeping Kina in their house, the owner decided to surrender Kina to the Sabah Wildlife Department on the 22nd of February, 2017. Kina arrived at BSBCC on the 1st of March, 2017.

Sikas’ original name was “Sikala”, but we changed her name to the town she was rescued from, the village of Sikalabaan in the Pensiangan district. The Pensiangan district is considered as one of the most rural areas in Sabah. Sika was found by a foreigner who travelled to the village of Sikalabaan, who had visited BSBCC before. After he found Sika was being kept in a chicken mesh cage as a house pet, he decided to call BSBCC and asked for help rescuing this bear cub. Sika was rescued by Sabah Wildlife Department on the 9th of February, 2017 and sent to BSBCC on the same day as Kina, 1st of March 2017.
​
On the 19th of November, 2017 they meet for the very first time. The sliding door is opened slowly by their keeper. Sika and Kina start sniffing at each other through the small gap. Then the door opens wider and they see each other! They are curious so they get closer and sniff each other politely. Kina and Sika are off to a good start and start to play-fight with gentle pawing and soft biting. This is how a bear friendship begins! They seem to get along very well, and spend more time playing together on the hammock platform. It’s non-stop playing for both of them even when they are panting with tiredness. Nothing will stop them playing! Neither of them are aggressive towards each other, hopefully the sign of a beautiful friendship forming between Sika and Kina. 
Picture
This honeycomb is mine! – Kina
​Sika is clearly the dominant bear. She will grab what she wants first. Kina will try but she always fails, but fear not! This does not affect their friendship! Kina learns to be more tolerant. Sika will dig out some porridge for Kina and they share it. When Sika comes to take Kina’s enrichment, Kina will walk away and go to get the others. Kina is showing how to treat a younger sister – with patience! Sometimes they fight, but they still love each other. When Kina gets tired, Sika is always waiting for Kina to have one more round of playing. Peace and harmony!
​Integration is one of the rehabilitation processes for the bears, as they can learn from each other. Sika and Kina were both kept as pets before, so they lost their chance to learn from their mother. Integration is a good chance to learn from each other about all the pertinent survival skills. Under the care and love of BSBCC, we hope Sika and Kina will grow up and return to the forest together, to become a pair of happy and lovely bears!
0 Comments

Know More About Kina

14/4/2017

0 Comments

 
Text by Seng Yen Wah
​Photos by Chiew Lin May & Seng Yen Wah
Picture
Hi, I'm Kina!
​Time has flown!  Kina recently just finished her quarantine care under BSBCC and is a one year old female juvenile bear. Previously, she was kept as a pet for more than a year before her owner decided to surrender her to Sabah Wildlife Department. Her owner claimed that Kina’s mother abandoned her when they were crossing a road and her mother got frightened and ran away while leaving her behind. During that time, she was just a bear cub and had not opened her eyes yet. She showed signs of malnutrition with her relatively small head compared to her body size. With an appropriate diet in BSBCC, she now weighs 18.4kg! Her favourite foods are papaya, honeydew, egg and of course milk! Though, even with her favourites, Kina is not picky and still enjoys all the food that we have given to her!
Picture
My favourite foods are honeydew, coconut and hmm.. many more!
​She has adapted well in quarantine since she arrived here at BSBCC and spends her time in her cage that is full of fire hose enrichment products such as fire hose hammock, wood hammock, and a heart-shaped honeycomb. Other than that, she also likes to play KONG, Aussie Dog Ball, and her favourite toy, the Bear Ball!! She totally is an enrichment lover. She loves to stay on the hanging platform where this allows her to stay up high and for her resting needs. The hanging platform is like her secret garden – It brings us much joy and happiness to see her bring her favourite food or toys up there to play with it.
Picture
My cage is full of fire hose enrichment products!
Picture
The Aussie Dog Ball is inside the Fire Hose Basket.
Picture
I got the Aussie Dog Ball! Let me see what is inside the ball!
Picture
I fit in the basket! And I want to bring along the Aussie Dog Ball with me!!
​In order to encourage her natural bear behaviour, keepers let her out to a larger den where there will be a larger space for her to explore around and get closer to the forest. Kina will step out from her cage with utmost curiosity and will explore the environment around her from every single corner like a good inspector. She enjoys staying in a natural environment like a den that is decorated with leaves and decayed wood. Most of the time, she explores the enrichment that has been prepared in the den. Kina’s day can be so simple where even a small decayed wood can simply make her day. She just knows how to enjoy the time with her own ways by lying on the dry leaves and turning on her relax mode.
Picture
This is the new den for me!
Picture
Let me check every corner here!
Picture
Is it something here?
Picture
Or maybe here?
Picture
Finally I'm here on the 'Platform Tree'!!
Picture
Tree barks in the basket!
Picture
See! I'm so good in playing with tire!
Picture
This is the forest that I have been looking for!
Picture
Closer to the forest make me hyperactive!
Picture
Let me introduce this is my favourite enrichment, bear ball!
Picture
I like to bring the bear ball with me!
Picture
Hammock!
Picture
Natural environment make me feel like I'm home!
Picture
I'm enjoying with all the leaves and woods.
Picture
Make me be a happy kid!!
Picture
Dancing like an Opera!
​Kina is a playful bear. The keepers will play fight with her so she can also learn some of the defence skills to protect herself later onwards. She shows her strength during the play fight that can be seen through pawing, which is a bear way of playing. However, some of the bear survival skills cannot be taught from a caretaker such as foraging, building a tree nest and so on. Hence, we plan to introduce her to a new bear friend who can teach her to become a real bear using the bear way. We one day hope that Kina will forage, build nests and stay in the wild because she truly deserves it, and deserves to be a real wild bear.
Picture
My caretaker, Azzry spend time with me.
Picture
My another caretaker, Jeniur.
Picture
Where is my bear friend?
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    August 2009
    July 2009
    June 2009
    May 2009
    April 2009
    March 2009
    February 2009
    January 2009
    December 2008
    November 2008
    October 2008
    September 2008
    August 2008
    June 2008
    May 2008

    Categories

    All
    Ace
    Ah Bui
    Ah Chong
    Ah Lun
    Along
    Amaco
    Animal Abuse
    APE Malaysia
    APE Volunteer
    Awareness
    Awareness Programme
    Batik
    BATs Group
    Bear Behavior
    Bear Cub
    Bear Farming
    Bear House
    Bear Keeper
    Bear Moving
    Bear Rescue
    Beartrek
    Behaviour
    Bermuda
    Betung
    Bintang
    BJ
    Boboi
    Bongkud
    Book
    Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
    Borneo
    BSBCC
    BSBCC In The News
    BSBC UK
    Camera-trap
    Captive-diet
    Captivity
    Centre Opening
    Cerah
    Chin
    Cnn Hero
    Community
    Conference
    Confiscated
    Conservation
    Conservation Action Plan
    Construction
    Damai
    Debbie
    Diana
    Dodop
    Donation
    Education
    Enrichment
    Environmental Education
    Exhibition
    Fence Training
    Filming
    Forest Enclosure
    Fulung
    Fundraising
    Gutuk
    Habitat Destruction
    Habitat Loss
    Habitat-loss
    Health Check
    Human Bear Conflict
    Integration
    Internship
    Itam
    Jelita
    Joe
    Judi Dench
    Julaini
    Kala
    Keningau
    Kina
    Kipaku
    Kitud
    Koko
    Kuamut
    Kudat
    Kukuton
    Lawa
    Leap
    Linggam
    Logan
    Logging
    Loki
    Luna
    Mamatai
    Manis
    Mary
    Montom
    Mou-signing
    Move Bear House
    Nano
    Natalie
    New Bear
    New-enclosure
    New-enclosure
    Noah
    Oakland-zoo
    Om
    Outreach
    Outreach Programme
    Panda
    Pangolin
    Performance
    Pet
    Pet Trade
    Phin
    Poaching
    Presentation
    Publication
    Quarantine
    Rainforest
    Rehabilitation
    Reintroduction
    Release
    Research
    Romolina
    Ronney
    Ronnie
    Ronnie Beruang 34
    Rungus
    Sabah
    Sabah Sun Bear Action Plan
    Sabah Tourism
    Sabah Wildlife Department
    Sanctuary
    Save Sun Bear
    Sbct-uk
    Sbct-uk
    School Visit
    Sigalung
    Sika
    Simone
    Soo
    Staff
    Sun Bear
    Sun Bear In A Wild
    Sun Bear In The News
    Sun Bear In The Wild
    Sun Bear Library
    Sunbearo
    Sun Bear Symposium
    Sun-bear-symposium
    Sun-bear-video-blog
    Supporters
    Suria
    Susie
    Susie Beruang 35
    Tabin Wildlife Reserve
    Tan Tan
    Threats
    Toby
    Tokob
    Tree Nest
    Uncategorized
    Vacancies
    Video
    Vip Visitors
    Visit
    Visitor
    Volunteer
    Wai-pak-ng
    Walk Bear
    Wan Wan
    Wawa
    Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997
    Wildlife-disease
    Wildlife Smuggling
    Wildlife-smuggling
    Wildlife Trade
    Wildlife Trafficking
    Wong Siew Te
    Workshop
    Yayasan Sime Darby
    Yearling

    RSS Feed

Have a question or comment? We welcome all enquiries, so please get in touch from any of the methods below:
​
Contact us

Picture
​ info.bsbcc@gmail.com ​
Picture
​+60 89-534491
Write to us at our
​Postal Address

​
BSBCC,
PPM 219, Elopura,
90000 Sandakan, Sabah,
Malaysia
Contact us on our ​Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

​
​
Click the button below
to fill our Contact Form
​
​

CONTACT FORM
  • HOME
  • About Us
    • Overview
    • Our Journey
    • Events >
      • Past events
    • Meet Our Crew
    • Visit us
    • Our Work >
      • Animal Welfare
      • Ecotourism
      • Rehabilitation
      • Conservation actions
      • Research
      • Education >
        • Virtual Field Trip For Schools >
          • (MALAY) Lawatan Maya Beruang Madu Untuk Pelajar
          • (ENGLISH) Virtual Field Trip for Schools
      • Partners and Supporters
  • Sun Bears
    • Sun bear facts
    • Meet our bears
  • Resources
    • Sun Bear Wallpapers - Free For You
    • Learning Materials
    • Newsletter
    • Annual Report
    • Press
  • Bear Talk Blog
  • Adopt
    • My Bear Adoption
    • Share Bear Adoption
    • Gifts With Meaning
  • Donate
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer programme
    • Volunteer Stories
  • SHOP
  • 首頁
  • 關於我們
    • 總覽
    • 中心的歷程
    • 我們的使命 >
      • 動物福利
      • 復育計劃
      • 馬來熊與生態教育
      • 馬來熊研究
      • 生態旅遊
    • 團隊介紹
    • 支持與合作機構/團體
    • 探訪本中心 >
      • 活動
      • 過往活動
  • 馬來熊
    • 馬來熊常識
    • 中心裡的馬來熊
  • 資源
    • 馬來熊電腦桌面背景壁紙(免費下載)
    • 教學資料
    • 時事通訊
    • 年度報告
    • 新聞/媒體
  • 助養馬來熊
    • 馬來熊「熊之友」助養計劃
    • 馬來熊「共同助養計劃」
    • 送馬來熊禮物
  • 捐款
  • 志工活動
    • 參與志工活動
    • 志工的故事
  • 購物
  • 聯絡我們
  • 首页
  • 关于我们
    • 总览
    • 中心的历程
    • 我们的使命 >
      • 动物福利
      • 复育计划
      • 马来熊与生态教育
      • 马来熊研究
      • 生态旅游
    • 团队介绍
    • 支持与合作机构/团体
    • 探访本中心 >
      • 活动
      • 过往活动
  • 马来熊
    • 马来熊常识
    • 中心里的马来熊
  • 资源
    • 马来熊电脑桌面背景壁纸(免费下载)
    • 教学资料
    • 时事通讯
    • 年度报告
    • 新闻/媒体
  • 助养马来熊
    • 马来熊“熊之友”助养计划
    • 马来熊“共同助养计划”
    • 送马来熊礼物
  • 捐款
  • 志工活动
    • 参与志工活动
    • 志工的故事
  • 购物
  • 联络我们
  • ホーム
  • BSBCCについて
    • 概要
    • 私たちの歩み
    • 活動内容 >
      • 動物福祉
      • エコツーリズム
      • 教育
      • 保全活動
      • 研究
      • リハビリテーション
      • パートナー & 支援者
    • スタッフ紹介
    • イベント
    • 訪れる
  • マレーグマ
    • マレーグマ知識
    • マレーグマ紹介
  • 情報
    • デスクトップ用壁紙(無料)
    • 学習教材
    • ニュースレター「マレーグマの声」
    • 年間報告書
    • 報道
  • 里親プログラム
    • 里親になる
    • みんなで里親になろう
    • マレーグマへの贈り物
  • 寄付
  • ボランティア
    • ボランティア
    • ボランティア体験談