A New Dawn in July. Amaco’s Journey
July is always a special month for us, as the memories of witnessing Amaco’s rescue at the age of 18, back in July 2011, still linger deeply in our hearts. He came to us with a tragic history, years spent in a small, confined cage after being taken from the wild as a cub. A history that touched many of us who met him for the first time. His body bore the physical signs of long-term captivity, and his eyes carried the quite weight of suffering and survival. That day marked more than just a rescue, it marked the beginning of healing, not just for Amaco, but for all of us who work tirelessly to give these bears the life they deserve.
As a tiny cub, he was discovered in an oil palm plantation, a tragic result of deforestation that destroyed his natural home. Taken and kept by plantation workers, he spent years in a confined and unnatural space, far from the forest life he was meant to have. By the time he was rescued and brought to BSBCC in 2011, he was already 18 years old, old for a sun bear and carrying the physical and emotional scars of years spent in confinement.
Years of captivity took a toll. Amaco arrived with several underlying health issues and poor dental condition, a common outcome for bears kept in inappropriate environments. But his life took a new turn here, one shaped by care, patience and respect.
Today, Amaco is housed in the quarantine area, where he has access to a larger exercise enclosure that allows him more space to move at his own pace. The enclosure, though secure, opens him to the beauty of outside world, with the greenery still in sight, and the soft shimmer of raindrops on leaves offering a quite connection to the forest he was once denied.
He is also under specialized geriatric care, tailored to meet the needs of an elderly bear. His daily condition is closely monitored by our veterinary and bear keeper teams. Due to his dental problems, his food is prepared as nutritious blended meals, allowing him to eat comfortably while getting the nourishment he needs. We continuously introduce a variety of food options to stimulate his appetite and ensure he receives a complete and balanced diet.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Amaco’s journey. Your kindness makes moments like this possible.
To celebrate our beloved Amaco, we prepared a special surprise, a yellow-themed present in the form of an ice block enrichment! and of course we couldn't forget to include his favorite snack, CORN!! The colour yellow reflects warmth, resilience and light. All the beautiful qualities that Amaco embodies. Despite his difficult past, he continues to shine gently in his own way.
A face that tells a story. More than the oldest sun bear here, Amaco stands as a symbol of strength and survival.
Thank you for standing by him. Thank you for believing in second chances. Thank you for giving hope HAPPY RESCUE DAY AMACO!
