Hands in the dirt, hear with the wild
Text by Farah Amilah Binti Zahari
"If I could introduce one bear to the world, it would be Kala."
That was the answer that immediately came to mind when asked which sun bear had left the greatest impression. More than just a rescued bear, Kala represents the lasting impact of being taken from the wild. Despite years of rehabilitation, the trauma she experienced is still evident today. Watching her pace repeatedly in her enclosure is both heartbreaking and a powerful reminder that the effects of wildlife exploitation can last a lifetime, and that rescue is only the beginning of a much longer journey toward healing.
I had been reading about the plight of sun bears and the work of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) for quite some time before coming here. It was deeply saddening to learn that, despite ongoing conservation efforts, some people still choose to keep sun bears as pets or confine them in cruel and inhumane conditions.
At first, I planned to visit BSBCC as a regular visitor. However, after discovering that volunteer opportunities were available, I decided to apply instead. I felt that volunteering would allow me to gain a deeper understanding of sun bear conservation while making the long journey even more meaningful and rewarding.
One of my most memorable experiences was feeding the bears and preparing enrichment treats for them. Seeing their excitement and having the opportunity to observe them up close was incredibly rewarding. Moments like these gave me a greater appreciation for their intelligence, curiosity, and unique personalities.
This volunteering experience has truly been life-changing. Working closely with rescued wildlife and contributing, even in a small way, to improving their daily lives has been both humbling and inspiring. Learning about what these bears have endured has made me even more grateful for the dedicated people who work tirelessly to protect and care for them. It also reminded me that animal welfare is something that deserves far greater attention and compassion.
I firmly believe that animals have just as much of a place in this world as humans. They play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and it is our responsibility to ensure they can continue to thrive. Human-wildlife conflicts should be managed responsibly, and sustainable development must always be the path forward if we hope to protect both people and wildlife for future generations.
Learning that caring for sun bears isn’t always as simple as feeding them. Today, I learned how to crack open coconuts for some of our special resident bears, making their meals a little easier to enjoy and the experience even more meaningful.
Who knew volunteering would come with power tool lessons?
A little drill goes along the way, preparing the logs by making hidden pockets for treats to encourage natural foraging behavior.
Final look of the enrichment! "The Calming Log" enrichment for one of our elderly residents. Despite moving at slower pace with age, he remained inquisitive and curious, taking the time to explore the new scents.
An oat balls for the sun bears!
