Rescue No. 68: Tiny Tenom

Text and Photos by Jacquelyn Jill Jepiuh​

Introducing Tenom! A 3-month-old female bear cub weighing in at 4kg. On the 29th May 2023 Tenom was bought for rm500 from a village in the Beaufort-Sipitang border and was then surrendered to the Wildlife Department and then transferred to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park (LKWP). She arrived at LKWP on 2nd June 2023 bright and alert but with some old scabs on her head and body.

On the 10th of June, our team successfully transferred tiny Tenom from Lok Kawi Wildlife Park to BSBCC. It was a long journey but worthwhile for this baby cub. Tenom is an active and feisty bear. When we first met her, she was already climbing up and down in her cage. She is vocal when unhappy and definitely makes sure she's heard. Such a loud bark for a small body!

Upon arrival at BSBCC, she seemed very curious when exiting her transfer cage. Once she was out, there was no stopping her from climbing and exploring every inch of that cage. She did not appear scared or nervous but instead, she quite enjoyed the dried leaves and furniture that was in the cage. Her caretakers seem to be the ones nervous and scared seeing her climbing and hanging upside down! During the night, we observed her getting very comfortable and sleeping in her pile of dried leaves. Tenom is playful, curious, and full of energy!

We are happy that Tenom did not end up being someone's pet at home and living in a tiny cage. Our team will continue to do its best to give Tenom the best bear experience and hope that one day she can be returned to the forest. Nevertheless, it is sad to wonder where or what happened to Tenom's mother? In an ideal world, Tenom would be living happily with her mum in the forest learning the bear necessities naturally. 

Yes, bear cubs are adorable but they are definitely not pets!! In Sabah, it is illegal to be in possession of a Sun bear as a pet. Do report to our Sabah Wildlife Department if you see any suspicious activity.
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Additionally, we would like to thank Hasanah Foundation and the Sime Darby Foundation for supporting our conservation efforts. With their help, we are able to continue rehabilitating bears like Tenom and hopefully be able to release them back into the wild!