Sun Bear Fundraising Events! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Sun Bear Fundraising Events! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text and photo by Tee Thye Lim

We would like to express our millions of appreciation and special credits to the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia through the Sabah Wildlife Department, for providing us the funds to expand the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC).

Now, we are pleased to announce the completion of our observation platform, elevated board walk that link the car park to the observation platform, and the access road to the bear house.

This construction project started on the 9^th Sept 2011, and it is now completed!
Click here to read about

The schematic diagram of BSBCC observation platform

The “Organic Bridge” which was built by Raleigh volunteers using reused iron wood that links up the elevated board walk and walking path to briefing area

The ground path which links visitors from “Organic Bridge” to the briefing area. You will find the sun bear’s chest mark pattern design along the walkway!

The staircase which links the briefing area to the “Organic Bridge”.

The access road to the new bear house!

The boardwalk to BSBCC observation platform is now completed!

Yes, we are almost reaching the new BSBCC observation platform.

Here we are! The BSBCC new observation platform!

From here, you will have the chance to observe the world's smallest bear species in their natural behavior and habitat.

Our new platform can hold a maximum capacity up to 40 visitors.

The BSBCC is expecting to be opened for the public by next year (2013), and we are looking forward to seeing you here soon!

And now our remaining task is to raise sufficient funds for the construction of:

1. The second bear house
2. Visitor briefing area
3. Renovation of office area
4. Bear holding area

The completion of these components is crucial for the success for BSBCC to achieve our missions which is to conserve sun bears through a combination of education, rehabilitation, research, and improve the welfare of captive orphaned sun bears!

We are looking forward to see you here soon! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

We are looking forward to see you here soon! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text and photo by Tee Thye Lim

We would like to express our millions of appreciation and special credits to the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia through the Sabah Wildlife Department, for providing us the funds to expand the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC).

Now, we are pleased to announce the completion of our observation platform, elevated board walk that link the car park to the observation platform, and the access road to the bear house.

This construction project started on the 9^th Sept 2011, and it is now completed!
Click here to read about

The schematic diagram of BSBCC observation platform

The “Organic Bridge” which was built by Raleigh volunteers using reused iron wood that links up the elevated board walk and walking path to briefing area

The ground path which links visitors from “Organic Bridge” to the briefing area. You will find the sun bear’s chest mark pattern design along the walkway!

The staircase which links the briefing area to the “Organic Bridge”.

The access road to the new bear house!

The boardwalk to BSBCC observation platform is now completed!

Yes, we are almost reaching the new BSBCC observation platform.

Here we are! The BSBCC new observation platform!

From here, you will have the chance to observe the world's smallest bear species in their natural behavior and habitat.

Our new platform can hold a maximum capacity up to 40 visitors.

The BSBCC is expecting to be opened for the public by next year (2013), and we are looking forward to seeing you here soon!

And now our remaining task is to raise sufficient funds for the construction of:

1. The second bear house
2. Visitor briefing area
3. Renovation of office area
4. Bear holding area

The completion of these components is crucial for the success for BSBCC to achieve our missions which is to conserve sun bears through a combination of education, rehabilitation, research, and improve the welfare of captive orphaned sun bears!

Tags: Bornean Bear Conservation Centre, construction
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The Bears Thank You – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

The Bears Thank You – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2012/05/17/the-bears-thank-you/

By

Suzanne Hall

Photo: Siew Te Wong

– May 17, 2012Posted in: Animal Stories, Animals and Plants, Bears, Conservation, Conservation at the Zoo, Pandas, Projects in the Field, Uncategorized

Enrichment toys are vital for a recovering sun bear’s health. Photo courtesy of BSBCC
Several months ago, we put out a call via our Animal Care Wish List asking for donations to provide enrichment items for the sun bears housed with our new collaborative partner, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). You responded generously, and I am pleased to say we were able to send six new toys to the bears at the BSBCC. Thank you so much for your generosity!

The sun bear is a rare bear whose habitat is dwindling rapidly under pressure from deforestation. Primary causes of forest loss include illegal timber extraction and the development of palm oil plantations. Very few studies of wild sun bears have been conducted, and a population census of this species, or the Bornean subspecies, has never been conducted. However, their numbers must surely be on the decline as their habitat steadily shrinks.
One of my objectives is to find more opportunities to conduct research with sun bears, to learn more about them and facilitate conservation of this species. We have had the opportunity to observe the growth and development of four sun bear cubs born to our resident female, Marcella, but a larger sample size of animals was needed to conduct any statistically meaningful research into various aspects of their biology. Enter the BSBCC.

Siew Te Wong founded the BSBCC in Sabah, Borneo, to serve as a rescue and rehabilitation facility for orphaned and injured sun bears. “Wong,” as he is called, had conducted field work on these animals but recognized the need to provide care for bears impacted by forest loss and the illegal pet trade. In only 4 years of operation, the BSBCC has accumulated more than 20 sun bears. Some are destined for Wong’s developing reintroduction program, which will see them repatriated to the wild in time. Others are not good candidates for release and will likely live out their years at the BSBCC.
Thankfully, the BSBCC goes the extra mile to ensure a good home for its sun bears. It has several large outdoor pens that are essentially areas of enclosed natural habitat: giant trees, heavy canopy, soft forest soil, and a multitude of plants and bugs for the bears to enjoy. The enclosures are so natural that wild monkeys and birds often cruise in and perch in the canopy of their trees. The bears are carefully managed so that agreeable animals can be housed together as playmates when possible. Even so, there are so many of these animals that on any given day a few of the bears will be rotated inside so others can enjoy the outside spaces.
The BSBCC likes to provide enrichment for their indoor animals to ensure that their environment remains as stimulating as possible. And that’s where you come in. Your donations helped to aid in maintaining a quality of life for these bears that ensures their physical and emotional well-being. The photos here demonstrate that the bears are enjoying the toys immensely!
We are excited about developing our partnership with the BSBCC into a research opportunity. This will aid in the conservation of the smallest bear on Earth and could lend insight into the bear family tree. We know from our past work, for example, that sun bear mothers and panda mothers are very similar in their attentive maternal-care styles, and both pandas and sun bears differ from the less active hibernating bears like brown and black bears. What other similarities and differences between the bear species will we find?
Your gifts of enrichment were the first step in what I hope will be a long and informative road that leads to new discoveries about sun bears. Thank you again.

Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Read her previous post, Monday: Black, White, and the Blues.

Mary and Debbie’s new pal, Koko. – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Mary and Debbie’s new pal, Koko. – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text by Gloria Ganang and photo by Siew Te Wong

Koko, a female sun bear yearling has been joining Mary and Debbie (both female sun bear yearlings) for almost a month now. Koko came into the BSBCC earlier this year on the 20^th February. She was transferred to Mary and Debbie’s den a month after her arrival which is after her quarantine period. Although it was a new environment for Koko at the beginning to share dens with other bears, she did very well gradually adjusting herself and getting along with her new mates. Koko connected with Debbie almost instantly during their first encounter with each other. Debbie, being the playful one among them is such an essential work out pal for Koko. They would tease, climb around and play chase with each other besides sharing their enrichment toys.

Debbie and Koko – “This toy is mine!”

Debbie and Koko - Claw versus canine!

It took a while for Mary to familiarize with Koko until they finally mingled. Mary is the less playful one. However, Koko would often try to get her attention by giving her quick bites or taps on her back. This encourages Mary to respond back very quickly from the distraction and they usually would end up rolling around and show each other “who’s boss”!

Mary and Koko – “I’m really getting you this time!”

Having an additional member in the group would keep the yearlings equipped with better and fun daily activities. They also keep each other warm during cold nights and rainy days by staying close to each other inside their artificial nest. We hope for the best for these sun bear yearlings throughout their growing period at the centre. Koko, Mary and Debbie are here because they have been confiscated from individuals who took them away from their natural habitat. They might end up growing up in small cages as house pets or even killed for their body parts. Help our sun bears by spreading the words on their threats!

Eastbourne woman fights for caged sunbear | Stuff.co.nz

Eastbourne woman fights for caged sunbear | Stuff.co.nz

KAROLINE TUCKEY

Small steps: Carol Gorham of Lowry Bay hopes Lower Hutt schools and residents will get behind her campaign to help build a new enclosure for Jonny the sun bear.

A Lower Hutt woman was so moved by the plight of an Indonesian sun bear she's started a fundraising campaign to build it a new enclosure.

Carol Gorham has never seen Jonny the bear in person, but conservationist friends emailed her about his plight, and sent her photos from his home in Seblat near Bengkulu city on Indonesia's Sumatran island.

''His cage is two metres by one, which is really tiny for him. He can barely stand up in it, and he's out in the hot sun as well, which is awful,'' Mrs Gorham says. Sun bears can reach five foot when standing.

Unfortunately Sumatran jungles, which still house some of the world's biggest wild animals like tigers, bears and elephants, are seen as easy targets for poachers.

Mrs Gorham's friends are on the island working to rescue elephants and say the bear was formerly an illegal pet that was confiscated.

He is now being cared for by a veterinarian who works at the Elephant Conservation Centre in Seblat, but with no facilities and no finances to buy proper feed, Jonny's not being kept in ideal conditions.

''When I read about it it's really upsetting, and I thought I can try and do something for this one,'' she says.

''It annoys me when people say it's only one bear, that's not the point.''

Jonny is not a wild bear, so Mrs Gorham's first thought was that a zoo would be the best place for him. Unfortunately, after making extensive enquiries, all the zoos she called in Indonesia are not able to take him.

''They are very poor, and have poor conditions, and just can't take another one, so I'm trying to find funding.''

Mrs Gorham says she hopes to raise an initial $3,000 to take care of basic costs for Jonny, like food and medical care and to draw up plans for a suitable enclosure to be built for him. In the long term she would like to raise a total of $10,000 to build the enclosure.

She hopes Lower Hutt schools might take up the cause by learning about Jonny and holding fundraising events.

She is also selling a range of skincare products each week at the Eastbourne market and on TradeMe, with all the profits going to Jonny's cause.

While Ms Gorham says she's in this for the long haul and recognises the project may take a couple of years, she says one day there's the potential for the rescue centre Jonny is living at to be turned into a popular ecotourism attraction, and hopes a new cage for Jonny might help.

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The same vet that is caring for Jonny is also looking after a rare Sumatran tiger that was found caught in a trap in the jungle, and had to have both front paws amputated, she says. ''That needs help too, but you've got to start somewhere.''

Carol Gorham's can also be contacted about the fundraising project for Jonny on 589 9050 or carol.gorham@xtra.co.nz

- Hutt News

Sun Bears with Jason Scott Lee and Siew Te Wong - YouTube

Sun Bears with Jason Scott Lee and Siew Te Wong - YouTube

Ah Bui is a perfectly healthy girl! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Ah Bui is a perfectly healthy girl! – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text by Gloria Ganang and photos by Tee Thye Lim

It has been 4 days since Ah Bui arrived at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). She is one fortunate female bear to be rescued by the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) just on time. She was almost sold for the purpose of bear bile. Ah Bui is approximately 2 years old.

We conducted Ah Bui’s physical check up at the BSBCC today. It went on very smoothly with the help from staffs of the SWD and Orangutan Appeal UK vet, Dr. Cinzia Cordella. It took us around 35 minutes to complete the procedures.

Ah Bui has obvious large canine teeth which are due to her previous diet. She used to be fed with chicken before she arrived here. Her current weight is 25 kg which is perfect for a female bear her age. Her pulse and temperature readings are normal.

Dr. Cinzia taking pulse rate of Ah Bui.

Wong taking body measurements

Placing Ah Bui back to her temporary cage

Ah Bui seems to have adapted to a small confined cage indicated through her constant “bending over” behavior when she first arrived at BSBCC. She has gradually adapted to the current cage which has more space for her to move around. Ah Bui however have to go through a quarantine period for a month before she will mix with other sun bears. She will eventually have a better social life, get access to the forest enclosure and be a wild sun bear again!

Ah Bui’s Ah Bui – the story of the latest rescued sun bear at BSBCC – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Ah Bui’s Ah Bui – the story of the latest rescued sun bear at BSBCC – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text by Tee Thye Lim

“Friend” is the people who play an important role in our human daily life. They may be able to be our supporter, person who assists you, giving you a positive effect and sharing most of their life experience with you.

Same as what have happened at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) on 4th May 2012 evening, we received a sun bear from Penampang, named Ah Bui, which means “friend” in local Murut language.

Ah Bui, the latest rescued sun bear at BSBCC

Ah Bui is a female sub-adult sun bear about two year old. She was rescued by Sabah Wildlife Department’s (SWD) Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) on May 2nd in a housing area at Penampang near Kota Kinabalu. The owner claimed that the bear was obtained from Sook at Keningau area.

Ah Bui arrived at our centre on the evening of May 4th.

Staffs from BSBCC and Sabah Wildlife Department moved Ah Bui to her new environment!

Ah Bui being moved to her temporary cage

He is believed to look for a potential buyer of the bear as local market for bear parts still exist. Luckily the SWD’s officer managed to discover and rescued Ah Bui before she end up in cooking pot or as traditional medicine.

Ah Bui means "friend" in local Murut language

Ah Bui is still trying to settle down and adapt slowly to our center environment.
We hope she will get use her new home and make some new “Ah Bui” as well.

So, would you like to be Ah Bui’s Ah Bui?

Handing over official documents from Sabah Wildlife Department to BSBCC

Join us at
http://www.causes.com/causes/95651-bornean-sun-bear-conservation-centre for getting update with our bears at BSBCC!

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) educational visit to BSBCC – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) educational visit to BSBCC – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text by Gloria Ganang and photo by Tee Thye Lim

Students from the School of International Tropical Forestry (SITF) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) visited the BSBCC yesterday (5^th May 2012). UMS campus is based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The group comprise of 42 undergraduate students and accompanied by 2 lecturers. It was the first time that the BSBCC had a visit from the local university.

The visit began with an introduction about the centre by our CEO, Mr. Wong Siew Te and followed by a tour around the forest enclosure for a closer look at the bears.

Wong introducing the centre to the students

They were also given a brief talk about the characteristics, behavior and threats of sun bears by our Project Manager, Wai Pak. We also explained to the students about the history and operation of the centre. There were a lot of concerns from the students about the rehabilitation of sun bears. Since the SITF students were on their Zoology and Wildlife Management subject field trip, it was a great opportunity for us to promote awareness about the vulnerability of sun bears specifically in Borneo.

Wai Pak sharing information on the centre and sun bears.

Most of the students have never seen a sun bear before. They were fascinated even after a glimpse of the sun bears foraging in the enclosure. Since our platform was still in the process of completion, the students had a closer view of the sun bears from the feeding platform. They also get to observe a breathtaking behavior of Keningau, a female adult bear climbing a tree in the enclosure.

Students observing sun bears from the feeding platform

Their visit was such an inspiration for us to reach out to the local institutes. We hope that their visitation to our centre would help them gain more knowledge and spread the message of the needs to protect and conserve the sun bears in our region. The BSBCC will be honored to welcome more visitors from the local institutions in the future.

UMS students with Wong and BSBCC staffs

BSBCC welcomes new Centre Coordinators – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

BSBCC welcomes new Centre Coordinators – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text and photo by Gloria Ganang

BSBCC is honored to welcome our new full time staffs, Dawn Serene Tukalan and Tee Thye Lim as our Centre Coordinators. Both of them reported duty on the 1^st May 2012.

Dawn is a graduate of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) from Penampang town, Sabah. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science in 2009 and did a research on the usage of compost among local farmers. She previously worked as an Environmental Safety and Health Executive.

Dawn Serene Tukulan

Thye Lim is originally from Pahang, west Malaysia. He graduated from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) in 2010 with a degree in Conservation and Management of Biodiversity. He was a snorkeling guide in Lang Tengah Island, Terengganu before working in the conservation field with WWF- Malaysia as a Field Research Assistant for the Hawksbill Turtle conservation project in Malacca.

Tee Thye Lim

We are very fortunate to have these passionate and dedicated individuals in our team. BSBCC is now equipped with staffs from various background and experiences. Therefore, we now have a stronger team for the growth and success of the centre.