To a bear-y good 2024!

To a bear-y good 2024!🥳

The never-ending illegal wildlife pet trading is truly upsetting. In 2023, BSBCC received two rescued sun bears (Tenom and Kwong) for rehabilitation. It was also heartbreaking to know that there are another two rescued sun bears awaiting transfer to BSBCC once there are vacant cages available for them. BSBCC is now in full holding capacity, meaning there is not enough space for new coming bears, while the current resident bears are mostly non-releasable because of old age, lack of survival skills, and medical issues.

The never-ending illegal wildlife pet trading is truly upsetting. In 2023, BSBCC received two rescued sun bears (Tenom and Kwong) for rehabilitation. It was also heartbreaking to know that there are another two rescued sun bears awaiting transfer to BSBCC once there are vacant cages available for them. BSBCC is now in full holding capacity, meaning there is not enough space for new coming bears, while the current resident bears are mostly non-releasable because of old age, lack of survival skills, and medical issues.

It is always the same old story that one day a villager encounters a sun bear cub alone in the forest, or buys the cub from the black market out of sympathy. Logically, a nursing mammal will not abandon the young easily until weaning at approximately two to three years. If there is a healthy chubby sun bear cub wandering alone, chances are the mother was killed intentionally. In the Borneo rainforest, the only predator for adult sun bears is us, human beings! On another note, when buying no-stop, the demand no-stop, the supply will not stop and hence the poaching continues. Buying a sun bear cub from the black market can save one individual, but may put the population in danger. Instead, please report to the Wildlife Department when you encounter illegal wildlife trade, the authority will take the necessary actions to punish the culprit. Wildlife trading is a crime and should not be tolerated. 

2023 was very challenging, but we made it through with all your support, help, and collaboration. We are very grateful to have you with us to create a better environment for the lovely sun bears, in captivity and the wild. We are happy to be able to kickstart the Tabin Sun Bear Project this year. This is an exciting project that encompasses ex-situ research and rehabilitation; and will greatly enhance our conservation efforts for this species.

We wish for a “bear-y good” year ahead with the captive bears to stay healthy and happy, whereas the wild bears stay free and safe where they belong. May this year be filled with love, peace, happiness, and good fortune for everyone.

Love, Barks and Big Bear Hugs ❤🥰🐻