From Learning to Caring: My Internship at BSBCC
Text by Ahmad Zaim Umar (UPM Intern)
Last February, I started my internship at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) as part of my semester course. To be honest, I initially chose BSBCC because a friend suggested it, and I thought a conservation centre would be an interesting place to learn more about wildlife. But the more time I spend here, the more I began to realize the deeper purpose behind it all.
Many people don’t know why saving sun bears matters, and I’ll admit I didn’t fully understand it either at first. But being here, seeing the work that goes into caring for these bears, and learning about the challenges they face really opened my eyes. Conservation isn’t easy, it takes effort from all sides, including the community. The way BSBCC manages both the welfare and conservation of these bears is incredible, and I have so much respect for the team behind it.
During my internship, I got to do so many hands-on tasks such as cleaning bear enclosures, doing fecal checks, inspecting the fences, preparing kilograms of food, administering medication, and setting up daily enrichment activities. Each of these responsibilities serves a critical purpose in maintaining the health and happiness of the bears, and I found myself developing a deep appreciation for the intricate work that goes into their care.
One of my favorite moments was working on my own enrichment project. I created the "Tropic Throne", a cozy resting area filled with leaves to mimic a natural forest setting. I gave it to Chin because I knew she loves leaves, especially ginger leaves. Seeing her explore and enjoy it was truly rewarding and reminded me why every small effort in conservation makes a difference.
Beyond the work itself, what made this internship so memorable was the incredible people at BSBCC. I am deeply grateful to the staff, especially the Bear Care Team, whose passion and dedication were evident in everything they did. They didn’t just teach us the tasks, they shared their knowledge, their experiences, and their love for these bears. The buddy system also helped a lot, making sure that no one ever felt left out. A special shoutout to my buddy, Oliver, who was always there to guide me and make the learning process even more enjoyable.
Looking back, I feel so grateful for this opportunity. This internship wasn’t just about gaining experience but it gave me a new perspective on conservation and the effort it takes to protect wildlife.
Few secret ingredients for Chin
