Daily Express: Much-adored Bornean sun bear in Sandakan sanctuary dies

Daily Express
Published on: Saturday, October 19, 2024

Kukuton was known for his traumatic past of being kept in a small cage for seven years. (Photos: Facebook/Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre)

KOTA KINABALU: A much-adored Bornean sun bear in a Sandakan wildlife sanctuary has died.

"Today, we mourn the loss of our beloved sun bear, Kukuton. He passed away on October 17th, 2024, at the young age of nine," said the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) on Facebook.

Kukuton was known for his traumatic past of being kept in a small cage for seven years which led to him arriving with a lot of self harming stereotypic behaviors and an obvious small body size.

Even with his past, according to the centre, Kukuton was always a gentle soul, very "kooky but had soft inquisitive eyes".

"He brought joy to all who knew him, and his absence will be deeply felt".

Kukuton's passing happened during his fence training, the centre explained.

"This is a very routine training that Kukuton and all bears go through to ensure they recognise the electrical fence before they are released to the forest enclosure," BSBCC recounted.

"Unfortunately this particular fence training event was stressful for him which unknowingly exacerbated his underlying health issues and it led to cardiac failure. His keepers were observing him during the training and immediately attended to him but Kukuton did not respond to resuscitation.

"While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate his life and the progress he was making during his time with us. Kukuton is the definition of strength and resilience. However hard life was for him, he was still the sweet bear his keepers loved him to be." 

"Let us remember Kukuton's love for his keepers and his silly antics. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration for all who knew him. We love you Kukuton."