RESCUE BEAR 55
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KINA
AGE: 3 Years Old

SEX: Female

MEANING OF NAME: Originally nicknamed “Kalong” by the previous owner, but we change her name “Kina”, after the place where she was kept at Kinarut, Sabah.

HISTORY: Her owner claimed that Kina’s mother was crossing a road and got frightened then just ran away and left Kina behind. Kina was just a bear cub and had not even opened her eyes yet. Hence, her owner took her and kept her for more than a year. We will never know exactly what happened to Kina before she was found alone in the forest. The owner then decided to surrender her to the Sabah Wildlife Department on February 2nd, 2017. Kina arrived at BSBCC on March 1st, 2017. Kina had been kept as an illegal pet for a year. She had a relatively small head compared to her body and her canines appeared small. During the arrival she weighed 12.85kg. She showed signs of malnutrition and was poorly cared for since she was a cub. She lacked sufficient nutrients for her growth and development due to being fed inappropriate food. She was fed rice, coconut, sugar cane and Nespray (full cream milk powder).

PERSONALITY: Upon rescue, Kina showed no fear of humans which has resulted from the habituation of being kept as an illegal pet. We are trying to wean her off close contact with humans and will introduce her to new bear friends. Kina is curious with her neighbour bear, Sika. She spends some time sniffing Sika at the sliding door when Sika is just next to her. Kina is an energetic and playful bear full of enthusiasm. She enjoys the fun enrichment we come up with. She tries different ways to tear, paw and roll to reach enrichment. Kina tries her best at demolishing dead logs to get every delicious treat out of the enrichment. She likes to carry the enrichment just like a human carrying a handbag. She puts the enrichment on her elbow and brings it around. She even tries to bring the enrichment to the water container to wash it. She loves to explore in the dens and makes them full of signs she has been there. Due to her history, Kina shows aggression towards her bear friends and she likes to seek comfort from humans. She suckles a lot once she sees a human. We will continue to do the best we can for her so that she has a chance of a better future.  

IDENTIFYING MARKS OR TRAITS:Has a slender and pointy muzzle with a “U” symmetry shaped chest mark.

ADOPTION: Kina was adopted by Andy & Alicia Ooi through the My Bear Adoption Programme.