Rest peacefully, Bermuda. You will be deeply missed

With deep sadness, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) announces the passing of Bermuda, a 26-year-old male sun bear who had been part of the BSBCC family for 24 years. He was found deceased on 6 September 2026, following severe complications affecting his lungs that caused significant difficulty breathing.

Bermuda was rescued from Kg. Pasir Putih, Keningau, in October 2002 as a sub-adult after being kept illegally as a pet. As Rescue No. 4, he was one of the earliest residents of BSBCC and became a familiar presence to the staff and volunteers who cared for him over the years.

Bermuda was a strong and dominant male with a personality that was impossible to miss. He was focused, alert and always aware of his surroundings. Although he could be aggressive towards other male bears, he also had a playful side and enjoyed his favourite treats and activities, especially the enrichment provided by our keepers and volunteers.

One of the most memorable chapters of Bermuda’s life at BSBCC was when he finally stepped into the forest after spending years in the bear house. Gradually, he became familiar with his surroundings and began exploring, climbing and foraging, expressing more of the natural behaviours of a sun bear.

After 24 years at BSBCC, Bermuda leaves behind a lasting part of the Centre’s history and many memories for those who had the privilege of knowing him.

We are grateful that he was given the opportunity to spend his later years in an environment where he could explore the forest, follow his instincts and simply be a sun bear.

Bermuda will be remembered for his strength, unmistakable personality and the many small moments that made him uniquely himself.

Thank you, Bermuda, for the 24 years you shared with us. Your story will remain part of ours.

Rest peacefully, Bermuda. You will be deeply missed.

Remembering Bermuda. 24 years of memories, one unforgettable bear.

Bermuda also had his own little quirk — he was often seen with his tongue sticking out, even when he was wide awake and alert. It was such a familiar sight that it became one of the little things people remembered most about him.

After enjoying his lunch, Bermuda would often head straight to his favourite spot — his basket — for a well-deserved afternoon nap. It was one of his simple little routines that those who cared for him came to know so well.

Volunteers often had to think a little harder when coming up with enrichment for Bermuda, because many puzzles seemed far too easy for him. With his incredible strength, he could make quick work of wooden enrichment and tear pieces apart with his powerful limbs. It was always a reminder of just how strong he was.

But in the forest, Bermuda was different. He took his time, exploring at his own pace and spending long periods simply being on his own. There was something special about seeing him in that space — free to follow his instincts and be a bear in his own way.

It was special to see him have that space to explore and be himself.

Thank you, Bermuda, for being part of our lives and BSBCC family for 24 years. Your memory will stay with us.