Update on Pitang
Here’s an update on Pitang, our 70th rescued female bear cub. She is incredibly active now! Not only does she love climbing and running around her cage, but she also enjoys the company of her keepers the most.
Bear cubs generally always play rough with each other and her keepers have to keep up with her. She loves it when we pull her back and pin her down like how another bear would. She will playfully fight back by clawing and biting. Her bite strength is growing too, as she constantly gnaws on the log her keepers give her. This is also one of her favorites especially ones filled with ants.
Her keepers have also started letting Pitang out into the exercise pen, which is larger and offers more exposure to the outdoors. Initially, she was cautious about her new surroundings, but she’s becoming more comfortable and spends a lot of time smelling the trees and seeing the rain.
Lastly, small river fish and pumpkin have become her favorite foods. She always finishes her fish in no time whenever we give it to her. Her keepers work hard to find these little fish in the river for her.
Can you believe it’s already been a month since Pitang became part of our family? Time has flown by, and what an incredible month it’s been! She has been learning so many new skills and discovering all the things she loves.
As part of rehabilitation progress, we have introduced a dummy collar as part of Pitang’s training. It’s a small step, but it’s helping her get comfortable with the process as we work toward her eventual release back into the wild. We are so proud of her progress and grateful to everyone who’s been supporting her along the way!
#bsbcc #sunbears #rehabilitation #Conservation
The Eco Guardian: Wira Alam Sekitar (Environment Hero) at SK Tangkungon, Telupid
On the 28th of November 2028, we fulfilled the invitation from SK Tangkungon, Telupid to their event. The programme, The Eco Guardian: Wira Alam Sekitar (Environment Hero) encompasses the need to educate the young ones to love nature and wildlife, gaining fundamental understanding of wildlife conservation by relating it to the 5Hs and 1W concept: What, Why, Who, When, and How. Joining us in the programme were Sabah Wildlife Department, HUTAN-Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Programme (HUTAN-KOCP), Seratu Aatai and Orangutan Appeal UK (OAUK). This programme was marked as an annual programme by SK Tangkungon, and we were honoured to be a part of the programme. Thank you SK Tangkungon!
Hand-rearing and developmental milestones of a Bornean Sun Bear
B. N. Yeoh et al. “Hand-rearing and developmental milestones of a Bornean sun bear” is an insightful paper, sharing the experiences and lessons from hand-rearing a sun bear cub at BSBCC.
This work sheds light on the challenges and care techniques involved in sun bear rehabilitation, contributing to the broader field of bear conservation and management.
URSUS is published by IBA and includes a variety of articles on all aspects of bear management and research across all 8 species of bear.
Access this article and more URSUS articles in the BioOne Digital Library here: https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-24-00009R1
The Mischievous Kipaku
Text and photos by Effa Denis (UNIMAS Internship Student 2024)
In the heart of a lush, green forest, lived a sun bear named Kipaku. He was rescued from a life no bear should ever have—once an illegal pet, Kipaku had been kept in a cage and raised by humans. Growing up without his birth mother left him with an unnatural bear behavior of “suckling” which bear cubs develop due to seeking comfort from their mothers. But his days of confinement were over. Now, his forest enclosure is his kingdom, and Kipaku ruled it with boundless joy.
Kipaku’s spirit - curious, mischievous, and full of life – really showed when he started his life at BSBCC. His past as a captive is now a distant memory, replaced by the thrill of the forest that surrounded him. Kipaku’s story was no longer one of pain but of renewal and hope.
We love seeing Kipaku be his playful self in the forest enclosure. Climbing tall trees, breaking every branch and vine in his way from swinging from it. His naughty behavior sometimes makes his keepers worry he will hurt himself!
Our rainforests are more than just Kipaku’s playground—they are his lifeline. The variety of plants and animals all work together to create a delicate balance that sun bears are a part of and also depend on for survival. Without these forests, bears like Kipaku would lose their homes, their food sources, and their very way of life. As deforestation threatens these habitats, sun bears face the dangers of losing their natural environment, forcing them into more vulnerable situations where they are at risk of being poached or captured.
By protecting our forests, we are protecting Kipaku’s future and ensuring that generations of sun bears after him can live wild and free, climbing trees, and exploring the world with the same playful spirit. Every tree we save, every forest we preserve, is a step toward securing the survival of these magnificent creatures and the world they inhabit.
Tabika KEMAS Kg. Paris 2(B) visit
Thank you Tabika Kemas Kg. Paris 2(B), Kinabatangan for the visit today (16 Nov 2024). The group was taken on a tour to the gallery, platforms. The students were fascinated to see the sun bears for the first time and also spotted a pit viper resting on a tree. The activities included marking any animals, insects, or plants they observed around the observation platforms. We hope they had a great time while visiting here, and gained some knowledge about Sun Bears.
BBC featuring BSBCC’s journey to save sun bear in Sabah
Thank you so so much to BBC for featuring the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre’s journey to save sun bear in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo. This story is featured on the latest BBC wildlife documentary series presented by Sir David Attenborough- ASIA, Episode 7 Saving ASIA! Please watch! https://www.bbc.co.uk/.../asia-series-1-7-saving-asia....
Tourism Malaysia visiting BSBCC
Tourism Malaysia visited Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to film the promotional video for Visit Malaysia Year 2026! Thank you for choosing BSBCC as an important tourist destination! Malaysia truly Asia!
SK Pekan Lahad Datu Visit
This morning, we welcomed students and teachers from SK Pekan Lahad Datu to BSBCC. It was a truly inspiring day dedicated to learning about sun bears and the significance of conservation. We are excited to share our mission with the future generation of wildlife protectors!
Sandakan Festival
Thanks to Sandakan Municipal Council for inviting us to the Festival Sandakan on the 9th and 10th of November 2024. It was a good event that allows people throughout Sandakan or possibly from outside of Sandakan to gather and enjoy the atmosphere while gaining knowledge and many more. We are looking forward to join more programme like this in the future.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Conservation Biology) Visit
Today, we welcomed a group of students and lecturers from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Conservation Biology) for an inspiring and educational experience at the BSBCC. They had the chance to learn about the crucial role of conservation in safeguarding these remarkable creatures.
A visit to the Centre offers a unique opportunity for nature and wildlife enthusiasts—come witness the sun bears up close and contribute to their conservation efforts! Make a difference with your visit and join the mission to protect the sun bears.
Veterinary Milestones: Cataract Surgeries in Bornean Sun Bears
Veterinary Milestones: Cataract Surgeries in Bornean Sun Bears
Cataracts are a common condition in older sun bears, particularly as those in captivity tend to live longer than their wild counterparts. This increased lifespan can lead to a higher prevalence of age-related issues, including cataracts, which significantly impact their quality of life. Addressing this problem is essential for enhancing the welfare of these magnificent animals and ensuring they can enjoy their later years in good health.
A New Hope for Sun Bears
Earlier last month, four Bornean sun bears were diagnosed with cataracts, impairing their vision and overall quality of life. Following comprehensive eye examinations, a team of dedicated veterinarians and specialists set out to restore their sight through advanced surgical techniques. On October 31, 2024, the surgeries took place, making history as the first of their kind conducted on this species in Malaysia.
Celebrating Teamwork and Expertise
The successful surgeries were made possible through an incredible partnership between BSBCC and several dedicated professionals. Special thanks to Dr. Nadzariah Cheng, the veterinary ophthalmologist from Animed Veterinary Center, the ophthalmology team from Hospital Duchess of Kent – specialists Dr. Chiang Wai Seng, Dr. Wai Yong Zheng, Dr. Nurhayati Abdul Kadir, paramedics nurses Fatimah, and Hidayah, along with Dr. Jessie Ho from Jesselton Animal Clinic, and the technical specialists Mr. and Mrs. Kok, who provided the necessary surgical equipment. Their expertise and collaboration were crucial to the success of this pioneering effort.
Importance of Post-Operative Care
Post-operative management is critical to preventing complications such as inflammation and infection. Our dedicated keepers have been essential in training the bears to accept eye drops and follow their medication schedules, ensuring a smooth recovery process.
Kudos to the bear care team for their incredible dedication and hard work! The complete recovery of the bears' eyesight may take a month or even longer, and we will remain vigilant in monitoring their progress. Our team is committed to providing the necessary care and attention during this crucial healing period to ensure a successful recovery for each bear.
Looking Ahead
These surgeries not only improve the individual welfare of the sun bears but also highlight the potential for similar interventions in other wildlife species facing vision impairments due to cataracts.
The successful cataract surgeries in Bornean sun bears are a testament to the advancements in veterinary medicine and the commitment to sun bear conservation in BSBCC. Together, we can continue to make strides in preserving our planet’s biodiversity for future generations.
Disclaimer:
Video in the link below is the removal of Julaini’s cataract and is for educational purposes only. Video contains blood.
https://www.facebook.com/100064673860230/videos/pcb.992568002908986/546735867992594
Update on Pitang - our 70th rescued sun bear
In her first days at her new home, we noticed Pitang's back legs were weak, causing her to stumble and struggle with climbing. This could be due to malnutrition or dehydration from her time away from her mother. Additionally, her constant scratching indicated she was suffering from mites and mild skin conditions.
Despite these challenges, Pitang has formed a strong bond with her human caretakers, who have been encouraging her to climb and strengthen her back legs. With the dedicated care of our vet, her medical conditions have been treated, and she is now a healthy, active bear who loves to climb and play.
Pitang's diet still mainly consists of milk, but her keepers are gradually introducing various fruits and natural food items, helping her learn to forage on her own. We are so proud of her progress and excited to watch her thrive!
Click on this link to watch the video of Pitang:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/5AMhwchY61WcNbyB/
