Bornean Sun Bear Eye Care 2.0

Building on the success of last year’s cataract surgeries on four sun bears, our team recently conducted eye assessments on another seven older bears. The evaluations revealed that most of them showed signs of nuclear sclerosis—an age-related change in the lens—while some were diagnosed with cataracts. Left untreated, cataracts can lead to serious complications, including pain and blindness.

This important work was made possible through our collaboration with Dr. Nadzariah Cheng, a veterinary ophthalmologist from Animed Veterinary Clinic and the ophthalmology team from Hospital Duchess of Kent, Sandakan. We are also deeply grateful to TransAid Solutions (TransAid Solutions Sdn Bhd) for providing us with an ultrasound machine and patient monitor to support the procedures.

This marks another significant milestone in BSBCC’s ongoing commitment to the healthcare of aging sun bears. We believe in early intervention—because preventing disease is always better than treating it. By addressing cataracts early, we aim to protect the well-being and quality of life of these remarkable animals.