Through Daily Work I Found Meaning with the Bears
Text by Ooi Xun Li
Volunteering at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre has been an eye-opening and deeply fulfilling experience. These small yet charismatic bears, native to Borneo Island, are among the most vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching. As a volunteer, I have had the opportunity to contribute to their care, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts.
From preparing their food to cleaning their cages, every task plays an important role in supporting their well-being. But beyond the daily responsibilities, this journey has allowed me to connect with these animals and understand the challenges they face.
One of my main tasks as a volunteer is preparing food for the bears. Since sun bears have a strong natural instinct to forage, I also create enrichment activities especially for one bear named Rudy. I hide food in logs, prepare honey-filled Aussie balls, and resting place where she can enjoy a luxurious rest. These enrichments help keep Rudy physically and mentally stimulated, encourage natural behaviors seen in the wild, and provide a comfortable space to rest in the bear house.
The most challenging but also most rewarding tasks as a volunteer is cleaning the bear cages and carrying out daily fence checks. They are surprisingly messy eaters, and their morning routine often leaves quite the scene! Each day starts with scrubbing, sweeping, and making sure their space stays clean, safe, and comfortable. Basic maintenance is also carried out, such as ensuring the electrical hot wire is properly maintained so it functions well and keeps the bears safely contained within the sanctuary.
After completing the morning routine, my responsibilities shift to more varied tasks. I also take part in hands-on enrichment activities designed to encourage the bears’ natural behaviors. I get to witness their playful curiosity and gentle interactions, offering a glimpse into their journey of recovery from past trauma. Every small action, like creating hidden treat challenges, gives them a chance to relearn essential instincts and contributes to their overall well-being. It’s a deeply rewarding part of the day, helping these remarkable animals reconnect with the wild side of themselves.
Reflecting on my journey as a volunteer at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, I’ve come to realize that every moment spent caring for these incredible bear contributes to a larger mission of wildlife conservation. As the day ends, I carry with me the hope that every act of care, no matter how small it is, plays a part in protecting these unique creatures for future generations.
The bear keeper also very lovely and kind so that I can learn many knowledge and experience in a short time. Especially my buddy, Azwie. I encourage more people to participate on volunteer program, together we can make nature safer, more peaceful world one free from poaching for sun bears and all of our precious wildlife.
Rudy is a 7-year-old female sun bear rescued from the West Coast Division of Sabah. She was once kept illegally as a pet before being rescued. Rudy is a shy bear who prefers to watch everything from a distance. Her quiet nature makes her unique and special bear
It’s Log n’ Roll time! Let’s see how Rudy takes on this tasty challenge.
Creating enrichment like Log n’ Roll isn’t just about giving bears something to do, it’s about reconnecting them with the wild instincts they were born with. Today, I built this for Rudy, hoping it brings her both challenge and joy. I named it ‘Log n’ Roll’ not just because it’s made from a log, but because it invites movement, curiosity, and a playful rhythm just like rock n’ roll!
Making sure Rudy and her friends stay safe means more than just caring for them. I also helped with fence maintenance to keep their enclosures secure
Rudy’s quiet gaze from a distance. While other bears rush out, Rudy prefers to pause and watch. This is her way of exploring. Slow, cautious, and always observing first. She sees you, even if you can barely see her.
