RESCUE BEAR 39

BINTANG

AGE : 8 Years Old

SEX : Female

MEANING OF NAME : Originally known as Ronnie, a name given to her by her previous owner who surrendered her to the BSBCC, has been re-named as “Bintang” in recognition of all the enabling support from Albert Teo Chin Kion and Borneo Eco Tour Sdn Bhd who are passionate about changing a sun bear's life.

HISTORY: Bintang was confiscated as an illegally held house pet and was sent to the BSBCC on 15th July 2014. We believe her mother was most likely killed by the poacher.

PERSONALITY:  Bintang is a very kind-natured and gentle female sun bear. When Bintang arrived at the centre, she weighed only 7.9kg. She has since quickly adjusted to her new surroundings. Bintang and her friends took their first steps into the forest enclosure on the 24th of December, 2015. She likes to be dirty! She digs and tears up deadwood. She is learning all the skills pertinent to survival in the wild, and she is doing well. She spends her days biting, twisting or tearing branches and leaves. She can build a small but warm ground nest. She can climb high up and enjoys her nap time, snoozing in her favourite tree. She is agile and inquisitive. In her indoor pen, she settles down well with Susie 2 and loves to chill on her hammock. Both of them will, at times, groom each other. She will suckle on her own paw to seek comfort. When surprised or curious, she will stand on two feet, sniffing and looking round her surroundings. She is also capable of being independent and going on solo adventures in the forest enclosure. She is still learning and gaining the skills and confidence that she will need to survive in the wild.

On May 20, 2021, Bintang gave birth to a bear cub, Luna. Being a first time mother bear, Bintang takes good care of her newborn. She shows her mother's instincts. Bintang became irritable to the other bears and remained alert to her surroundings. Besides that, she would curl up her body and protect her cub. She will not leave her cub too far or for too long and constantly checks her cub. Bintang's love for Luna is unconditional. However, Luna appeared to be less active eight days later and it was found she was suffering with hypothermia (low body temperature) and had severe ear injuries and skin infections. Due to Luna's poor health, a tough decision was made to separate Luna from Bintang. After separation, Bintang had a difficult time. She took time to recover her life. She is doing well now. Together with her bear friends she has restarted her life. We hope one day in the future she can reunite with her lovely cub, Luna.

We are very sorry to announce that sun bear cub Luna passed away in the early hours of yesterday (19th September). Indeed, it was a sad day for all of us at BSBCC. Luna has involved in an unexpected bear fight and suffered several bite wounds. Immediate treatment was provided but the wounds, unfortunately, got infected resulting in septicemia (blood infection). She was later found dead on the 19th of September 2022 at 2.20am.

All of our staff were devastated to hear of this loss. Thank you to all of our keepers for trying their absolute best to maintain her health. Luna will be deeply missed by all of us here at BSBCC.

IDENTIFYING MARKS OR TRAITS: The chest mark of Bintang similar to sun shaped with sprinkled with light black dots.

ADOPTION: Stichting No Wildlife Crime is adopting Bintang under My Bear Adoption Programme.