Volunteer Story - ✨Highlights of My Internship Experience✨

✨Highlights of My Internship Experience✨

Text by Marian Grace Modestus (UPM Intern)

During my veterinary internship at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), I had the incredible opportunity to deepen my understanding of sun bears, their behavior, management, and conservation efforts.

Throughout my time here, I learned about the crucial role sun bears play in the ecosystem and the challenges they face as an endangered species. Being passionate about animals, this experience was truly rewarding. I was actively involved in the daily management of the sun bears, which included tasks such as fence checking, fecal analysis, enclosure cleaning, feeding, health observation and maintenance, supplementation, and enrichment activities.

One key aspect of sun bear care is proper nutrition, which involves a well-balanced diet consisting of starchy fruits and leafy vegetables. Enrichment activities also play a vital role in conservation, as they promote natural behaviors while ensuring both mental and physical stimulation for the bears.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at BSBCC for their kindness and passion for sun bear conservation. Their ability to teach and guide interns effectively made this experience even more meaningful. Their hard work and commitment to these amazing animals are truly inspiring.

Moving forward, I will take the knowledge and skills I have gained from this experience and apply them in my future career. This internship has reinforced my passion for wildlife conservation, and I am excited to contribute further to the well-being of animals and their habitats.

In summary, my internship at BSBCC provided me with valuable hands-on experience alongside theoretical education. The Centre plays a crucial role in sun bear conservation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its mission while gaining invaluable knowledge and skills.

Pitang the little Sun Bear

The struggles of keeping up with this ball of energy😅

Our 2nd soft release candidate - Pitang - keeps her caretakers on their feet as she is just getting used to being walked in the forest of Tabin Wildlife Reserve. She is curious and also excited to be free! We love to see her eyes light up when she's outside being her bear-y best self ❤️🐻

Pitang has also graduated from a dummy collar to a GPS collar to ensure her safety and whereabouts during her rehabilitation journey with us. All the best to Pitang and thank you to everyone who has been a big part of her journey!

Volunteer Story : 🐻Khabir’s Experience🐻

🐻Khabir’s Experience🐻

Text by Muhammad Khabir (UPM Intern)

Hello! My name is Khabir from Johor studying Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). I volunteered for 2 weeks at BSBCC to finish my course requirement. Throughout my volunteering, I gained a lot of fulfilling knowledge and experience about bornean sun bear, husbandry care, health management and veterinary skills from the skilful, passionate and experienced workers here.

Despite studying animal related course and a Malaysian, I do not really know much about Bornean sun bear species. My two weeks volunteering was eye opening experience as I learn a lot of new things about this endangered species as well as internally growing my interest in wildlife. Every day, we are given with different tasks such as cleaning bear cages, preparing food, checking fence, preparing enrichment, observing bear behaviour and administering medicine. The bear house staffs are very friendly and willingly share their knowledge about the tasks and the bears. I also enjoy chitchatting, making jokes and sharing experiences with them.

Each day as a volunteer at BSBCC was exhausting but the experience, skill and knowledge gained are valuable. The management provided great accommodation, transportation, and well-planned daily activities. The buddy system helped us feel comfortable, and my buddy, Effendy, was funny, chill, helpful, and full of stories.

I've had the chance to assist in dental surgeries for Orangutans and bears, help with enrichment activities for international students, and go jungle trekking. Thanks to BSBCC for this unique opportunity. Besides, Sabah is beautiful with rich culture don’t miss exploring Sandakan and other districts!

Lastly, I would like to thank BSBCC and all of the staffs for the good hospitality. I respect their commitment to safe this endangered species as it is not an easy tasks and requires a lot of commitment, hard work and patience. I highly recommend anyone either Malaysian or non Malaysian who are interested, to volunteer at BSBCC.

Sabah Wildlife Department launched the 10 years Bornean Sun Bear Action Plan for Sabah, 2025 to 2034

After two days we released Itam the sun bear at Tabin Wildlife Reserve, today is another big day for sun bear conservation in Sabah. Sabah Wildlife Department launched the 10 years Bornean Sun Bear Action Plan for Sabah, 2025 to 2034, today . The preparations of this action plan started way back in September 2019 during the second International Symposium on Sun Bear conservation and Management held in Kota Kinabalu. 

Thanks to Dr Miriam Kunde, Professor Benoit Goossens, Danau Girang Field Centre and many others who spent uncounted hours to prepare this action plan into a reality. The plan will be an important guideline for Sabah Wildlife Department, government agencies, NGOs, universities and parties to work together for the conservation of Bornean sun bear in Sabah.

Personally, the launching of this plan means more busy for me and more security for the sun bear! Your supports in many ways are much appreciated in the next 10 years!

Health check for Tenom and Pitang in Tabin Wildlife Reserve

This video was taken on March 11, one day after we released Itam at Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Dr Boon and other team members conducted a health check on both Tenom and Pitang. We also replaced Tenom cub’s collar to a satellite collar as she is growing bigger and bigger, and more and more independent. The health check all go well as planned. Thank you @yayasansimedarbyofficial  @yayasan_hasanah @planetwild.official @hertfordshirezoo  and many others to make this project possible!