12/24/18

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

24/12/2018


May this wonderful time of Christmas and New Year fills your life with happiness and wealth!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

在這美好的聖誕佳節,我們在此向您獻上最真摯的祝福,祝一切順心如意;聖誕快樂,新年愉快!








Lots of Love,
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)

Merry Christmas

23/12/2018

By Chiew Lin May


Dear Santa, Ho Ho Ho from sun bears! 

It has been quite a journey for us to recover from psychological trauma and trust. 

We have been able to enjoy a second chance at life and surrounded by people who love us. Here is the Christmas wish from us! 

​Have a Berry Merry Christmas!




Tan Tan's Long Tongue

16/12/2018

Video by Chiew Lin May


Sun bear has the longest tongue of all bear species - 20-25cm long.

​Tan Tan showing her exceptionally long tongue!


SMK Badin Tuaran Visit to BSBCC

15/12/2018


Even it is already getting into the half of the last month in 2018, BSBCC still accommodate a visit from a school; this time it is from hostel of SMK Badin, Tuaran, Sabah. 

The group which consists of 16 students and 6 teachers had been brought to have an informative tour about the sun bear and also observing the sun bear in the forest enclosures. 

All of the students and teachers are glad and happy to see the cute sun bears doing their things in their natural habitat. Thanks to SMK Badin’s students and teachers for their visit to BSBCC.


Listening to safety talk before going to observation platform.


Observing the sun bear in Pen D.

They are lucky to see all the adults sun bears coming out from the forest close to the observation platform near to Pen B.


Bear Style group photo!

Story of Linggam, BSBCC's Prince of Sun Bear

10/12/2018

Text by Susantie Saliman (Intern Student from UNIMAS)
Photos by BSBCC





If Jelita is the so called the Princess of BSBCC, then Linggam is the prince of the Sun bears here at BSBCC. 

Linggam is one of the most well-behaved bears in the Bear House. With his princely behavior, aging 14 years old, his name “Linggam” came from one of the God’s name in Hindu.

Other than being noticeably handsome, Linggam can be identified by looking at his narrow muzzle, shiny coat and slender stature.

​A little bit about his history; Linngam arrived in August 2004, weighing only 3.5kg as a cub after found at a logging camp at Kampung Pinangah. According to the loggers, Linggam was found alone. He was taken into the care of Mr. Awang who then gave him to the Sabah Wildlife Department. He was sent to Sepilok and was later transferred to the Lok Kawi Zoo near Kota Kinabalu. He returned to BSBCC Sepilok in July 2010. 






Linggam is best known as the handsome and prince bear in our Centre. He is a very attractive bear with big brown eyes and a gentle face. Often found chilling inside his basket - rarely found being fractious. Though, he is a bit picky when it comes to food. Linggam favors bananas over corn and he does not like pumpkins and coconuts. When eating bananas, he will put it on his left hand, peel it with his right claws then take out the banana out from the skin using his long pinky tongue. Like any other bears, Linggam loves playing with his enrichments. However it depends on what type of enrichment given. He is a picky prince after all. Linggam also loves playing with water and often found splashing water from his water bowl especially in the evening.



SK Tibabar Ranau Visit 07th December 2018

7/12/2018


Toward the end of this year, BSBCC still continue to be visited by schools as a part of post-UPSR program for the Primary 6 students. 

This time, the visit is from SK Tibabar, Ranau. The group was given a brief talk about sun bear and also seizing the chance to see the sun bears inside natural forest enclosures. BSBCC would love to express gratitude for the visit from SK Tibabar.



Preparing to have a talk about sun bear.


Now, we watch the sun bears in the enclosure.


Heal from Sorrowful

4/12/2018

Text & Photos by Seng Yen Wah


Soo is a four year old female, sub adult bear. She was purchased with the price of RM350 when she was still a cub in Karamatoi Village in Sook Keningau market. After that, she was kept as a house pet in Nambayan village in Tambunan for two years. She was rescued by the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and transferred to BSBCC on the 8th of September, 2017. Soo is very alert with her surroundings. She easily gets stressed and starts to pace aggressively when she hears loud, machine noises. This stereotypic behaviour is the consequence of her past life of living as a caged pet. She took a long time to adapt herself. There must be a way to help her more. Maybe it is time for her to have bear friends!

Let’s introduce you Soo’s friends, Diana (12 years old female adult bear), Kina (three years old female sub adult bear), and Sika (two years old female sub adult bear). Kina and Sika integrated on the 19th of November 2017. After that, Diana joined Kina and Sika on 13th of April 2018. And on the 2nd of September 2018, Soo meet them all for the first time.

Soo is curious about the appearance of a new bear beside her cage. She sniffed on the sliding door. The sliding door opens slowly and Sika is waiting for her at another side. This is the first time Soo met a bear. Soo is anxious. She vocalized with Sika when Sika came close. She would like to play with Sika but she doesn’t know how to do it. She shows defensive behaviour which Sika does not like. Therefore the first time is not pleasant. 



Soo is sniffing on the sliding door because Sika just at another side of the door.

First met with Sika is not pleasant.

Soo is standing higher to defend herself.

​The second day of integration is Kina’s turn. Kina shows more curiosity about Soo. She tried to initiate play fight with Soo, who is still nervous about her first friendship. Soo demonstrates a big response to Kina’s approach, but this did not stop Kina and still tried getting close to her. If Soo is being stressed at the moment, Kina will not disturb her. 


“This is not the bear that I met yesterday!” – Soo.

Kina and Soo is having almost the same size!

Soo took her time and she tried her best to become friends with Diana, Kina and Sika. They are getting along well now! Only sometimes, Diana is on her temper and shows her aggression to Sika and Soo by vocalizing. But, there would never be a problem for them to stay together. They play fight with whoever they want. They share their food and also rest together. It is so good to see Soo’s improvement since her first arrival. We really hope Soo can live in a better life with her bear friends and we hope to see her grow into a strong and brave bear!


Never getting bored in playing fight!

They are having a good time!

Every bear have an Aussie Dog Ball. This is fair enough!

Eat together and share later!

12/22/18

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) Mission

3/12/2018

Video by Chiew Lin May


Find out what BSBCC is doing to help create a future for Sun Bears.



Logan loves Dipping in the Stream

3/12/2018

Video by Chiew Lin May


"I am totally in love with this stream!
And it is a beautiful world!
Trust me!"

-Logan, an 11 months old cub.



12/21/18

Sabah Chief Minister Visit to BSBCC

3/12/2018


On the 3rd of December 2018, BSBCC was honored to host the visit from Chief Minister of Sabah, Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohd Shafie bin Haji Apdal and delegates to the Centre. 

The delegation visited BSBCC after the launching ceremony of the Sabah Forestry Plan 2018 at Sabah Forestry Department HQ and also visits to Forest Research Centre (FRC), Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) and also Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (SOURC). 

During the visit, short briefings and introductions were delivered by our CEO and founder of Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Dr Wong Siew Te. The delegation also having the chance to do quick tour to the BSBCC’s viewing platform to observe the sun bears. 

Thank you for visiting us and we hope that the visit can help us to promote BSBCC and help us to spread the awareness.














10th Borneo Bird Festival

2/12/2018


The Borneo Bird Festival is back again this year at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sandakan Sabah from 1st to 2nd December 2018. 

This year marked the 10th edition of this annual festival with a theme of Birds, 'Born to be Wild'. This event is launched by Guest of Honor, Y.Bhg. Datuk Datu Rosmadi Datu Sulai, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah. 

Borneo Bird Festival is a celebration of the magnificent birds of Borneo and aims to create greater awareness to nature conservation, promote the birding tourism and create platform to showcase the optics and camera equipment used for nature watching activities.

Various activities are prepared during this two-days event, talks from experts and booths of wildlife conservation from different organisations.

Mdm Slyvia Alsisto, one of the judges for Bird Mimic Contest.

Bird mimic contest.

Dr. Wong Siew Te (left), Dr. Robert Ong (centre) and Elopura Assemblymen, YB Calvin Chong (right).

Tour of exhibits by Guest of Honour and invited guests.

Tour of exhibits by Guest of Honour, Y.Bhg. Datuk Datu Rosmadi Datu Sulai (centre) and invited guests.

Dr Wong giving a talk on "The Challenges to Conserve Sun Bears".

A momento for Guest of Honour from Sandakan Borneo Bird Club Sabah.

Launching of Wong Tsu Shi's 3rd Edition, Birds of Borneo book.

Kids trying our board game.

Flag-off Sabah Bird Race & Bird Photo Race.

Tour of exhibits by Guest of Honour and invited guests.

Icons of Sepilok; Sepilok Junior Ranger (left), Sunny the Sun Bear (centre) and Bornean Bristlehead (right).

Ms Melynda receiving token of appreciation from the organizers.

Bird mimic contest.

Dr Wong giving a talk on "The Challenges to Conserve Sun Bears".

Visitors getting information about sun bears.

Kids from Sepilok Junior Ranger is trying our board game.

Wheel of fortune lucky winner after buying merchandise from our booth.

Mr Khoirul explaining to the kids.

Sunny the Sun Bear and BB the Bornean Bristlehead mascots.

Opening speech by Mr. Gary Albert, President of Sandakan Borneo Bird Club Sabah.

Launching speech by the Guest of Honor, Y.Bhg. Datuk Datu Rosmadi Datu Sulai, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah.

Welcome performance by Tarian Kreatif Etnik Sabah.

Bird performance by Sandakan Gymnastics Association.