The Mission to Save our Bornean Sun Bears
Thank you to the Hasanah Foundation, Sime Darby Foundation, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia (MOTAC), Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF), Sabah State Government, Sabah State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, and many other funders and supporters from across the world who have made our work possible over the last 17 years. With your continued support, we will work even harder to protect the sun bears!
We are grateful to Tourism Malaysia for choosing sun bears as the mascots for Visit Malaysia 2026. Our long-time dream to transform sun bears from forgotten creatures, known to few, into popular icons will be achieved by next year!
SK Tumunda Salimandut, Kota Marudu Visit
Thank you to all the students and teachers from SK Tumunda, Kota Marudu, for visiting BSBCC today!
We truly appreciate your interest and enthusiasm in learning about sun bears and wildlife conservation. We hope you had a meaningful and memorable experience with us.
Responsible Tourism Awards Southeast Asia (RTASEA) 2025
We’re Honored!
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is proud to be one of the winners of the Responsible Tourism Awards Southeast Asia (RTASEA) 2025, announced on 18 June 2025 at LPU, Cavite, Philippines!
This recognition celebrates our ongoing efforts in conservation, education, and responsible tourism.
A huge thank you to all our supporters, partners, and team members who make our mission possible every day.
Check out all the winners here: https://icrt.global/seasia-award-winners/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLMG6FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWTlRsRW8yNlRHNGw4NmhGAR7NUtSZF0cKQYXDDsR1ToOwcpRojpt6-dmZ_ZiiwvLFCs-_Tfc4yhkdNkckCg_aem_7L4ly4rtDqpScfm9ybGOVw
Volunteer Story - My Experience at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)
Text by Georgina Gabiela Duran Fernandez (APE Malaysia's Volunteer)
My first impression when I arrived at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre as a volunteer was one of sadness. I quickly realized that, due to human actions, the bears I met here cannot live in the wild as they should. The Sun Bear is the smallest bear in the world, and sadly, it is also the least known and least studied bear. These bears play an important role in maintaining the fertility of the Rain Forest by spreading seeds and, as they love to dig, they also help aerate the soil.
The bears that come here have been captured for various reasons. Some were taken as pets when they are babies, often after their mothers were killed. They were kept in small cages, and as they grew, they continue to live in cramped enclosures. Others were hunted for their body parts, which are used in traditional medicine, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting its healing properties. Some were killed for their paws, which are considered trophies or symbols of strength and masculinity.
Before bears can return to the wild, they need to relearn many natural behaviors that are essential for their survival. This includes things like finding their own food, staying away from potential dangers and climbing trees. These skill help them stay safe and live independently in their natural habitat.
When I arrived at the centre, I struggled because I didn’t understand why the bears were here or how they had ended up in this situation. However, over time, I got to know the stories of the bears, and two of them, in particular, deeply moved me. Their names are Amaco and Simone, and they touched my heart in ways I never expected.
Amaco was found at an oil palm plantation near the Lahad Datu district when the company first began clearing the area. For the past 18 years, he was fed fed only rice and condensed milk, which left him without any teeth, so now, all his food must serve in a soft, paste-like form. Due to his age, Amaco has slow reflexes, moves at his own gentle pace, and is easily startled. He spends most of his day curled up asleep in a corner. What struck me most were his eyes, they seem to reflect deep compassion and quite wisdom. Amaco is now 32 years old.
Simone was kept in a mini zoo in the southeast of Sabah, alongside a male sun bear. They were surrendered to the Sabah Wildlife Department. Simone became my favorite bear because she is so expressive, always alert, active and observant. She reminded me of a child who had been abandoned and left to fend for herself. She’s always cheerful, climbing, sitting on her bed, and watching everyone who passes by.
Being able to feed the bears, clean their enclosures, administer their medications, and take part in enrichment projects was incredibly fulfilling. The enrichment project is aimed at keeping the bears entertained and preventing abnormal behaviors. I felt great satisfaction in seeing the bears so engaged, especially using their instincts through their sense of smell, touch, and taste.
What do I take away from this experience?
I leave with a deeper awareness of the challenges that our planet faces, and the realization of how little the world’s population, in general, knows, cares, or is willing to do for the Earth.
Mother Earth is like a delicate garden, one that gives us everything we need to survive. But if we continue to neglect it, to take without giving, the garden will slowly begin to wither. It is up to us, the caretakers of this garden, to tend to the soil, protect its creatures, and nurture it with care. The garden is not endless. If we don’t act now, we will be left with barren land where once there was life.
I also leave with a desire to learn more about endangered species in my own country, to know what is being done to protect them, and to find places where I can help within my community. And above all, I confirm my desire to continue traveling as a volunteer for wildlife conservation, becoming an active eco-tourist.
I am deeply grateful to all the bear caretakers, especially Carls and Boni, who were always attentive, answering my questions and explaining everything. I want to thank Joan for all her kindness during my stay and congratulate Dr. Wong for the BSBCC project that he has poured his heart into.
An enrichment with little surprises, big joys.
Amaco was found at an oil palm plantation near the Lahad Datu district when the company first began clearing the area. For the past 18 years, he was fed only rice and condensed milk, which left him without any teeth, so now, all his food must serve in a soft, paste-like form. Due to his age, Amaco has slow reflexes, moves at his own gentle pace, and is easily startled. He spends most of his day curled up asleep in a corner. What struck me most were his eyes; they seem to reflect deep compassion and quite wisdom. Amaco is now 32 years old.
Simone was kept in a mini zoo in the southeast of Sabah, alongside a male sun bear. They were surrendered to the Sabah Wildlife Department. Simone became my favourite bear because she is so expressive, always alert, active and observant. She reminded me of a child who had been abandoned and left to fend for herself. She’s always cheerful, climbing, sitting on her bed, and watching everyone who passes by.
Whispers of Two Souls; Simone & Amaco
Daily fence checks, because their safety comes first
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and Sabah Forestry Department Visit
Today, we were honoured to receive an official visit from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) and the Sabah Forestry Department.
Dr Wong Siew Te, CEO and Founder of BSBCC, led the guided tour and shared the centre’s ongoing efforts in sun bear conservation, raising public awareness about wildlife, and emphasizing the importance of protecting our natural environment
This visit provided an invaluable opportunity to share our work and strengthen our shared commitment to preserving the nation’s rich biodiversity.
Students from Faculty of Tropical Forestry, UMS Visit
A bear-y big thank you to Universiti Malaysia Sabah students for visiting BSBCC!
They learned about the threats our sun bears face and the ongoing efforts to protect them. Let’s work together to spread awareness and save the world’s smallest bear!
Community Outreach to Tongod (HOB Initiatives)
BSBCC was honoured to be part of a community outreach near Gunung Tinkar and Sungai Radapan Forest Reserves in Tongod, Sabah, under the Heart of Borneo (HOB) Programme. The event featured exhibitions, educational talks, and a fun role-playing game — all aimed at raising awareness on forest and wildlife conservation. Together, we’re creating a harmonious environment for us human, wildlife and the forest.
#BSBCC #HeartOfBorneo #ConservationAwareness #CommunityOutreach #Sabah #GunungTinkar #SungaiRadapan #WildlifeConservation #HOBInitiative
A talk on the importance of protecting wildlife and the environment was delivered by Dr. Wong Siew Te
It all begins with an idea.
The lack of awareness on these issues is often observed among the younger generation, particularly among Chinese youth. It is hoped that the talk provided some enlightenment.
Special thanks are extended to Jit Sin Independent High School and the Ex-Scouts Association of Jit Sin High School for organising the session.
Industrial Talk by Dr. Wong Siew Te at University Tun Hussain Onn
It all begins with an idea.
A talk was delivered by Dr. Wong Siew Te at University Tun Hussain Onn, Pagoh Campus, on 28th May 2025, in his role as an Industrial Advisor at the Department of Technology and Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology.
The session was organised by Dr. Aqilah, Dr. Arney Binti Sapaat, and many dedicated students in conjunction with the Biodiversity Festival 2025. Great effort was shown. Thank you and well done!
