Bears, Bonds, and Beautiful Memories
Text by Toh Lei Jing
Hi! I'm Lei Jing, I have just completed my STPM and am currently waiting for my results. My friends, Yi Thoeng and Jocyn, and I first heard about this volunteering program from our alumni, Dr. Wong, when he gave a talk at our school. We were thrilled because we’ve always loved animals, so we decided to spend two weeks of our long holiday at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC).
Those two weeks at BSBCC were packed with learning, hard work, and unforgettable moments. The tasks could be physically demanding, but the excitement of working with the bears made the tiredness fade away. Each day in the bear house came with a variety of duties such as cleaning cages, chopping mountains of fruit, crafting enrichment items, feeding the bears, inspecting fences, carrying out faecal checks, or even cleaning the drain underneath the bear house. We even get to make our own enrichment for our favourite bear (Mine is Kina)! The staff were warm, approachable, and always eager to share their knowledge. I especially enjoyed the moments when they introduced the bears to us, telling each one’s unique story as we worked alongside them. They were also always ready to lend a hand whenever we needed help.
Right after finishing enrichment work, we’d head straight into the forest, searching for wild bear foods, collecting “Tarzan ropes” for the bears’ enrichment, or even trekking 2.5 km to a hidden waterfall deep in the jungle. Sometimes, we got lucky with a Q&A session with Dr. Wong himself, where he shared inspiring stories about his journey and the bears’ lives. My buddy, Effendy, also turned every outing into a mini survival class teaching me how to navigate the forest and recognize edible plants. Along the way, we met a few unexpected forest friends too: a curious snake, a woodpecker, and even a majestic hornbill soaring above.
This experience will forever be etched in my memory not just for me, but for my friends as well. The bonds we built, the lessons we learned, and the joy of working with the bears made these two weeks truly special. I can’t wait for the day I step back into BSBCC and see those bears again!
We never expected that helping bears would lead us to the drain under the bear house. It wasn’t easy.. mud, smell, sweat and all but knowing this small effort creates a cleaner, safer home for the bears made every moment worth it. Caring for wildlife means showing up for the parts no one sees, and I’m proud to have been able to do this.
Introducing our handmade creation: the Skibidi Chill enrichment for Kina! Seeing her figure out every hidden treat and enjoy the challenge made my whole day. It’s amazing how something simple can bring so much joy to a bear.
Out in the forest, searching for wild fruits and enrichment materials. Every step reminding us how much the bears depend on the richness of their natural home. Moments like this make the work feel so real and so rewarding.
Today’s menu: fruits, starchy, and lots of excitement!
