A Bright Future for Betung!
Text, photos and videos by Jacquelyn Jill Jepiuh
Betung was rescued by Sabah Wildlife Department on the 21st August 2020. Like many of our rescued cubs, she had a similar story whereby a villager claimed to have found her walking alone in the forest and decided to hand raise her since April 2020. Sadly, she was not given proper care which resulted in chronic malnutrition causing her to have stunted growth. She estimated to be 6 months old but only weighed a mere 1.4kg. Whereas, a normal bear cub would easily weigh 10kgs at that age.
(More on Betung’s origins can be found on our Bear Talk Blog: https://www.bsbcc.org.my/bear-talk-blog/meet-betung)
Seeing Betung all grown up, healthy, and living her best life in the forest enclosure warms all our hearts. Look how far you've come little Betung!
Today, Betung is a healthy, active and a very naughty bear. Ever since she was able to be released into the forest enclosure, we will usually see her climbing the tallest trees or digging into logs searching for invertebrates. She enjoys having her alone time and will sometimes get annoyed with Kipaku but we will occasionally see the two getting along well and sharing.
Betung is the true definition of being a fighter. May she enjoy this new life of hers to the fullest, free from danger and free to explore! This is all thanks to the support of Hasanah Foundation, Kementerian Kewangann and Sime Darby Foundation. With this support, we are able to provide a brighter future for bears like Betung. The Bear Care Team will continue to do the best we can to let her have a better future and have the bear life she deserves.
