3/25/12

Wildlife Heroes close up with Wong – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Wildlife Heroes close up with Wong – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

By Siew Te Wong
I am humbled and honored to have been select as one of the 40 Wildlife Heroes across the world who featured in the Book “Wildlife Heroes: 40 Leading Conservationists and the Animals They Are Committed to Saving.”
Thank you the authors of the book, Julie Scardina and Jeff Flocken for your kindness to feature me and my work on sun bears in this book.
Thank you all of you who supported and helped me over the years, and keep supporting and helping on our work on sun bears.
Without your support, I would not be what I am today.
Without your help, we would not be achieving what we have achieved today.
Together we can, we have, and we will make a different!
 Thank you all!


 
  

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Fest 21-28 April – SUN BEAR ROCK! fundraiser – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Fest 21-28 April – SUN BEAR ROCK! fundraiser – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Rockin’ 4 the Environment takes place from from 21 – 28 April 2012. Play a part in raising awareness and funds for the SUN BEARS. Click on the link above and find out how.
DoPPel Kafe will be hosting a flurry of music based events during that week. So we’re really looking forward to doing our part for Earth Day in April! How about you?
Bands can participate too! Click here to register your band and help us ROCK 4 the Environment!  
Performers signed up to ROCK 4 THE ENVIRONMENT!
Be a part of the Earth Day revolution!
Be an advocate for the Sun Bears!
We’d like to thank every single member of the music community for participating in this awareness fundraiser! Let your voices be heard through time! Save the sun bears!
Headline acts
Rafique Rashid
Free Deserters
Jerome Kugan
Ariff AB
Amrita Soon
Beatburns
Dekya Rose
Dragon Red
Dzamira Dzafri
Fazz
Handle with Care
Idzwan Johar & The The
Instake
Kim Sng (beatboxer) Lynnzay A.
OffroadsPhlox
Ten Thousand Talents
The Impatient Sisters
THE D.I.A
The Guitar Polygamy (comprising Wani Ardy and friends)
The Outbreak
Our Sunset
ZeroPoint.0 (Comprising beatboxers Malaysia Beatbox Challenge 2010 Champion Shazet, Anowl & Nawi)
and more!
Honey bears = Sun bears! Make the world a better place! Love the Sun Bears! Not for their fur$!. Not for their paws&!. Not for their brains for soup*!. Not for their skull as decor>! Love the Sun Bears for being one of the world’s most beautiful living creatures.



Beneficiaries
Environmental Education Alliance South East Asia (EEASEA)
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)
NGO Partners
  • Raleigh International
  • MENGO’s
  • Gerai Orang Asli
  • ISKL High School Earth Club
  • ISKL SUN BEAR ROCK! club (middle school)
  • EEASEA/GREEN Riders Asia
  • BSBCC
 Photographs courtesy BSBCC

SUN BEAR ROCKKKK!! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

SUN BEAR ROCKKKK!! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

 1 March 2012, Kuala Lumpur -
The Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) presents Rockin’ 4 the Environment – SUN BEAR ROCK! in conjunction with the Earth Day celebrations from 21-28 April 2012.
Rockin’ 4 the Environment has so far piqued the interest of animal conservationists around the world and raises vital funds and awareness for conservation and environmental education oriented NGO’s in Malaysia. So far, the program has contributed a total of RM55,000 since 2007 to its non-profit partners.
Led by a group of schoolteachers and musicians, and the International School of Kuala Lumpur the weeklong festival takes place at DoPPel Kafe @ Central Market Annexe in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and aims to raise a further RM35,000 for the plight of the endangered Sun Bears in Borneo.
This year, it has also gained the support of private sector partners like marketing & event solutions company – Go International Group Sdn Bhd, venue sponsor Central Market, environmental education partner – Eco-Knights and many more.
Hall of Fame
• 2010, DUGONG ROCK! raised RM8000+ for Kelab Alami Malaysia
• 2009, ORANGUTAN ROCK! raised over RM27,000 for the ORANGUTAN APPEAL UK to help support and raise awareness of the plight of the endangered Orang Utan species.
• 2008, TIGER ROCK! raised RM11,000+ for MyCat.
• 2007, TURTLE ROCK! raised RM7000+ for SeaTru (now known as TRRG)
Besides the fundraising efforts in Malaysia by the International School of Kuala Lumpur, there will also be other fundraising activities in neighbouring regions by Jakarta International School, Sinar Mas World Academy- Jakarta, Pasir Ridge International School- Balikpapan, Kalimantan, Indonesia, Singapore American School and United World College SEA in Singapore. Environmental Education Alliance Of South East Asia
ROCKIN’ 4 THE ENVIRONMENT
Calendar of Events 2012 SUN BEAR ROCKS!
Official Launch with Performances by school bands
Guest of Honour: Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (TBC)
Date: April 21, 2012 Time: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m Venue: Main Stage, Central Market
Arts, Music and Fun Festival for conservation awareness co-organised by three parties: Go International Group, The Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCCC) –open to the public (suitable for families with children).
SUN BEAR ROCKS!
University Invasion! Gig & Showcase by students on campus
 Date: April 22, 2012 Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m Venue: Universiti Malaya campus & various
Awareness via Music – one day showcase event for to raise awareness about the Sun Bears coordinated by Eco-Knights for the Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCCC) –open to university & college students.
EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT
Date: 23-26 April Time: School hours Venue: International School of Kuala Lumpur & various other schools
Educational workshops for conservation awareness and Sun Bear protection coorganised by EEASEA and BSBCC – open to school students.
SUN BEAR ROCK! OPEN MIC
Date: April 26, 2012 Time: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Venue: DoPPel Kafe Central Market Annexe Entry: RM5 entry
 Upcoming musicians perform for environmental awareness.
SUN BEAR ROCK! ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE
Date: April 27, 2012 Time: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Venue: To be confirmed Entry: RM30 entry
Some of the Klang Valley’s top musicians go acoustic! Don’t miss this amazing night.
SUN BEAR ROCK! BAZAAR, FREE CONCERT & AUCTION
Date: April 28, 2012 Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Venue: Central Market & DoPPel Kafe Central Market Annexe
All-day environmental & arts bazaar complete with educational activities, seminars and featuring local NGO’s held at Central Market – the centre of the Arts. Concert features some of KL’s biggest names in the independent music scene. And join in the fun as we auction anything and everything! Bring something to contribute to the auction pool! ALL proceeds go to Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
SUN BEAR ROCK! CONCERT
Date: April 28, 2012 Time: 9 p.m. – late Venue: Central Market & DoPPel Kafe Central Market Annexe
For one night only, this grand finale concert will feature some of the top names in the independent music scene. From rock bands to DJs, expect to rock the night away with your friends! Be sure to book early! ALL proceeds go to Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
We’re also offering our popular ‘CARE FOR A SUN BEAR SCHEME’… PRICE INCLUDES ALL ACCESS PASS TO THE FESTIVAL.
Simply sign up by completing a form with your details and a donation of RM150 at any of the events, for your ‘Care for a Sun Bear’ pack. You’ll receive a pack of limited edition postcards of a Sun Bear family and a short story about at BSBCC. This is a great gift for any occasion – show you care, by helping make a real difference to Sun Bears’ lives!
PLIGHT OF THE SUN BEAR
 The BSBCC is a joint project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), which is responsible for the bears, the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), which is responsible for managing forest reserves, LEAP, and spearheaded by Malayan Sun Bear researcher and conservationist Wong Siew Te. An MOU has been signed and SWD and SFD have donated all of the land needed for the BSBCC. SWD has also donated buildings and veterinary expertise. In addition, the Sabah State Government supports this project and has agreed to match all funds raised for construction of the project dollar for dollar. This partnership with the state government is critical to ensure the long-term success of the project.
Rockin’ for the Environment presents an important opportunity to promote and increase awareness of the BORNEAN SUN BEAR CONSERVATION CENTRE – which will in turn help raise vital funds for the animals.
 For further information visit: www.facebook.com/rockin4theenvironment
Contact:
Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA):
Bornean Sun Bears Conservation Centre (BSBCC):
Go International Group Sdn Bhd (Go Intl PR & Event management)
Jasmine Low  jasminelow at gointernationalgroup.com Tel: +603 7727 0093 Mobile: +6017 623 0288

Look violent but completely harmless – The integration of Debbie with Mary and Fulung – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Look violent but completely harmless – The integration of Debbie with Mary and Fulung – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre



Text and photos by Siew Te Wong
We integrated Debbie the sun bear cub with Mary and Fulung for the first time on March 10th. The entire process started 10 days earlier on Feb 28th when we moved Mary at opposite side of the hall way to the den next to Debbie. Debbie’s reaction toward Mary was very strong, huffing and barking on a defensive way whenever Mary made a move. Lack of sun bear’s communication skills, poor Mary seemed to be confused and do not know what to do except sucking her feet (Mary suckles when she wants to seek comfort). We have to keep the den between Debbie and Mary empty to reduce contact between the two young bears because of Debbie’s reaction.
The next day Debbie seemed to accept Mary’s presence. She did not seem to be defensive nor aggressive and did not bark and huff at Mary like what she did a day before. She just watched Mary on a very curious way. We let Mary entered the middle empty den so that both bears can have contacts through the bars. Immediately Debbie was very interested on Mary, touching and scratching her gently whenever Debbie can reach Mary through the bars. Sometime Mary responded to Debbie by playing with her. However, Debbie was more proactive while Mary just sitting there to suckle her feet without paying much attention to Debbie. The induction between Debbie and Mary seem fine through the bars.
The next step was to move Fulung the yearling male sun bear on March 3rd to join Mary so that three of the sun bear yearling/cubs can be place together as a group. This time Debbie did not react much to the presence of Fulung. She seemed just fine to have Fulung as her neighbor without any conflict or aggression over the following week.
Finally the big day arrived on March 10th, we integrated Debbie with Fulung and Mary. Fulung is about one year and four months old. He is the biggest and oldest among the three bears. Mary is about one year and two months old and Debbie is the youngest, age about 8 month. Here I let the photos speak for themselves:

In order to prevent them from being too excited when first meet, we scattered their fruit snack- pumpkin and banana on that afternoon, on the floor. Just like what we expected, Fulung (left) and Debbie (right) get busy searching and eating their afternoon snack: banana (preferred) first, and pumpkin later. Mary was at the back of the den, checking out Amaco (an old male bear) behind the wall.

After all the banana was gone, play time begun. Like usual, Fulung would is always advantage being a bigger bear. He shows off his dominancy by standing up right on his hind limbs. Debbie, although being the youngest and smallest, never feels threatened by Fulung's size. She displays her jaw and teeth. Her message is clear, "do not mess around with me!"

Debbie on the right now standing up to show off her teeth and claws. She just never gives up quickly!

Mary now joins them. Instead of play fighting, she is more into the remaining fruits. This is a great photo to show the facial expression of Fulung (left) and Debbie (back).
 
Mary (right) decided to join the party. Fulung (left) let Debbie to bite his neck. With a lot of loose skin, the neck of the sun bear is like the armor of the bear to get closer to their opponent.
 
Now the three bears are in action together. Although a lot of teeth and claws in these play fight, they are completely harmless to each other.Fulung and Debbie have a lot of interactions at first. Mary is a bit slow by just watching.
 
Fulung: "I am bigger than you, Debbie!" Debbie: "So what??"
 
Like a wrestler, Fulung uses his bigger body to press Debbie down, and the countdown being…
 
After tens of minutes, Fulung started to feel boring and left Debbie.
 
Now is Mary's turn to play with Debbie (right).peI can tell by now Debbie (left) is very tired. She just wanted to lie down on her back and push Mary (right) away.At the end of the day, both bears are so tired!
 
 
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Only in BSBCC (II) – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Only in BSBCC (II) – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre


Text and photos by Siew Te Wong
Today’s blog is simple.
I do not need to write many words.
Because a photo worth a thousand words…. hehe..
Let the pictures tell the story..
You can see sun bears like these photo ONLY in Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
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2 Comments

  1. maggie catterall
    Posted March 10, 2012 at 11:33 pm | Permalink | Edit
    Such wonderful little bears they are. Let’s look after them
  2. Jimmy
    Posted March 13, 2012 at 3:51 am | Permalink | Edit
    Great to see these bears so content – shame so many of their brothers are exposed to the worst of humanity:(

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Only in BSBCC – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Only in BSBCC – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text and photos by Siew Te Wong
Today as I do my routine walk in the forest enclosure of BSBCC to check on the sun bears, I saw Lawa the female sun bear climb a tree and rest on top of it. It was a dead tree full with lianas. I immediately used the Nokon sponsored D5000 and the 18-55 mm zoom lens to capture these images. Please see these photos or yourself to learn the amazing lifestyles of these bears in the tropical rainforest of Borneo.  If I have a better zoom or telephoto lenses, I am sure I will take better photos. Anybody wanted to sponsor us a longer lens?
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Only in Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, you can see sun bear behave like a wild bear.
Only in BSBCC, you can see sun bear climb the tree and sleep on a tree.
Only in BSBCC, you can learn about the sun bear and their forest habitat.
BSBCC aims to conserve sun bear though animal welfare, education, rehabilitation and research.
We are half way there; please help us make it happen.
Please do what you do best to help us.
Please help sun bears.
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