𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐂𝐂

Text by Chye Tong Qing

Growing up in the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur, nature is always felt distant. The only animals I regularly encountered were household pets, farm animals and the occasional wild creatures confined within zoo enclosures. As a child, I was fascinated by National Geographic and spent hours immersed in picture books about wildlife. That early curiosity gradually evolved into a deeper interest in conservation as I came to believe that protecting nature is essential for a civilization to truly thrive.

I first discovered the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) through news articles and I was immediately drawn to their volunteer programme. I signed up in hopes of contributing, even in a small way, to sun bear rehabilitation and conservation efforts. As I learned more about sun bears, I became increasingly aware of the harsh realities of poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, despite existing laws. This strengthened my motivation to not only volunteer but also raise awareness within my own community back in Kuala Lumpur.

It is difficult to pinpoint a single most memorable moment during my time at BSBCC, but two experiences stand out. The first was sun bear integration sessions, where bears are gradually introduced to one another. Observing Logan, Panda, and Chin interact displaying curiosity, friendliness, and eventually playful behavior was truly special. One particularly memorable moment was watching Panda mischievously steal carrots from Logan’s enclosure, only to be caught in the act. These interactions revealed the sun bears’ surprisingly social and expressive personalities.

The second was the long fence-check walks, which were physically exhausting but deeply rewarding. Despite the sweat and fatigue, I was often rewarded with glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat groups of red leaf monkeys leaping through tall trees, vibrant millipedes along the forest floor, and, on one occasion, even a fleeting sighting of an orangutan. Moments like these made every step worthwhile.

Of course, not everything was easy. One of the biggest challenges I faced in Sandakan was the mosquitoes. My roommate jokingly said I must have “fresh young blood,” and despite layering peppermint balm before bed, I still woke up covered in itchy bites. Perhaps I should return when I’m older maybe then I’ll be less appealing to them.

Beyond the challenges, this experience taught me a great deal on multiple levels. On a personal level, I grew more independent, learning to take care of my wellbeing in a semi-rural environment. I also discovered unexpected resilience such as the time I found myself dealing with a tree snake that had wandered into the pantry one night.

On a theoretical level, I gained a deeper understanding of sun bear behavior, including their diet, foraging habits, arboreal adaptations, and behavioral cues that indicate stress or comfort. Their long claws, incredible sense of smell, and cognitive complexity as mammals highlight their emotional capacity, making them especially vulnerable to trauma and negative human interactions.

On a social level, I formed meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds—fellow volunteers, bear keepers, and officers. The shared experience of preparing enrichment activities for the bears often came with laughter and lively conversations. I also had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Wong Siew Te, who shared the journey behind his vision for sun bear conservation. Despite the challenges he faced, his belief that everything happens for a reason and his encouragement to discover one’s ikigai left a lasting impression on me. His unwavering dedication to sun bears continues to inspire me in pursuing a future working with animals.

I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I hope more people will find ways, big or small to contribute to improving wildlife welfare and conservation efforts.

P.S. A heartfelt shoutout to Sabahan hospitality—it was a joy meeting the locals and I absolutely loved how “bah” naturally finds its way into conversations

Seeing Betung enjoy the simple enrichment I made really made my day—it’s the little moments like this that matter most.

As part of enrichment preparation, I worked on cracking open coconuts for the bears today. Some individuals here are older or have toothless dentition from past conditions, so we modify the enrichment to match their needs. It’s a small task, but it plays a part in ensuring they can still explore and enjoy natural feeding behaviours comfortably.

Spent part of the day making oat balls for all the bears—simple enrichment to keep them engaged and active.

Calista is helping me prepare enrichment for my special bear, Betung.

On my last day of volunteering, I left my fingerprints on the boards, just like every volunteer before me—a small but meaningful way of being part of this place.