7/17/26

2026-06-11 Sandakan Vocational College 1 Open Day

In conjunction to Sandakan Vocational College 1 Open Day and 60th anniversary celebration, BSBCC was invited to set up exhibition booth at the venue, here at Sandakan Vocational College 1, Sandakan on the 11th June 2026.

Several other strategic partners also invited to the event, plus various other activities, such as sales and entrepreneur booths from college students and abseiling activity from the fire department. Lots of students and member of public attended the event, and we see this as another good opportunity to speak about sun bears and wildlife. Good day after all, we were glad to be invited to the event.

Thank you Sandakan Vocational College 1 for the invitation, and we hope to see more cooperation between our sides.















2026-07-09 SMK Pamol Co-curricular Carnival

BSBCC was invited to open a booth at SMK Pamol on the 9th July 2026 in conjunction with the Karnival Kokurikulum SMK Pamol 2026 (SMK Pamol Co-curricular Carnival 2026). This carnival aimed to serve as a platform for students to demonstrate involvement and capabilities in non-academic skills, emphasising the importance of co-curricular skills alongside academic achievements.

BSBCC seized the opportunity to engage students at SMK Pamol and share general knowledge about sun bears, what BSBCC has been doing to conserve and preserve them, and how the public can contribute to the conservation cause. Some students also joined our mini quiz, using the infographic banners and exhibits to learn things on their own. It was a day full of questioning here and there, but we were more than glad to entertain the students.

Thank you, SMK Pamol, for the opportunity!






















R.I.P Sigalung

Following the completion of the post-mortem examination and histopathological analysis, we are saddened to share the passing of our beloved sun bear, Sigalung, who passed away on 10 May 2026 at the age of 19. The findings confirmed that he died of sudden heart and lung failure caused by an undetected long-term heart disease.

Born in 2007, Sigalung was found by villagers near a logging camp in the Sipitang district, southwest of Sabah, together with another young sun bear, Phin. It is believed that their mother had likely been killed before the two cubs were taken and kept as illegal pets. Both were rescued and brought to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park before Sigalung was later transferred to BSBCC on 1 March 2014.

Sigalung had a personality that was impossible to forget. As he grew older, he became a confident, adventurous, and cheeky bear with a strong character. Like many adult male sun bears, he could be territorial and would often challenge the other males. Yet beneath his bold personality was a bear who once feared stepping into the forest.

When Sigalung first arrived at BSBCC, he stayed close to the safety of his den and was reluctant to venture out. For almost two years, he underwent fence training supported by patient and consistent care. On July 2017, he finally stepped into the forest enclosure for the first time. After that, he rarely looked back. Each time the guillotine door opened, he would immediately head out into the forest, even in light rain, spending his time exploring, foraging, and moving through the landscape with growing confidence.

We are grateful to have been part of Sigalung's journey. From his first uncertain days to the confidence he found in the forest, his story reflects the impact of giving rescued sun bears the time and space to adjust, heal, and grow. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and cared for him.







6/29/26

Rest peacefully, our old friend, Amaco

With a heavy heart, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) would like to share the sad news that Amaco passed away on 24 June 2026 at the age of 33.

Over the past few weeks, Amaco's health had been declining. He had a poor appetite, was weak, and had difficulty standing. Blood tests indicated worsening kidney function and anemia. On the morning of 24 June 2026, during routine checks, his keepers found that he had passed away peacefully. A post-mortem examination revealed significant congestion in his lungs and liver, indicating that his circulation had been severely compromised. These findings are consistent with age-related organ deterioration and chronic heart disease.

Amaco's life was a difficult one. Before coming to BSBCC, he spent 18 years in a small cage at a plantation. The experience left a lasting impact on him. Even after arriving at BSBCC and being given access to forest enclosures, Amaco preferred to stay close to his cage. After spending most of his life confined, it was where he felt safest. His keepers understood this and made sure he received plenty of care, enrichment, and attention in the place where he was most comfortable. As the oldest bear at BSBCC, Amaco did things at his own pace and had a personality all his own. He was gentle, independent, and never afraid to let you know when he wasn't impressed, often with a bark.

At 33 years old, Amaco was the oldest sun bear under our care and lived well beyond the average lifespan of a wild sun bear. Over the years, he became a much-loved member of the BSBCC family, touching the lives of staff, volunteers, visitors, and supporters alike. We would like to thank all of Amaco's supporters. Your adoption and support helped provide him with lifelong care, comfort, enrichment, and wellbeing. Because of you, Amaco was able to spend his final years surrounded by dedicated people who cared deeply for him.

Thank you, Amaco, for the memories, the lessons, and the joy you brought to us. You will always hold a special place in our hearts and will never be forgotten.With a heavy heart, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) would like to share the sad news that Amaco passed away on 24 June 2026 at the age of 33.

Over the past few weeks, Amaco's health had been declining. He had a poor appetite, was weak, and had difficulty standing. Blood tests indicated worsening kidney function and anemia. On the morning of 24 June 2026, during routine checks, his keepers found that he had passed away peacefully. A post-mortem examination revealed significant congestion in his lungs and liver, indicating that his circulation had been severely compromised. These findings are consistent with age-related organ deterioration and chronic heart disease.

Amaco's life was a difficult one. Before coming to BSBCC, he spent 18 years in a small cage at a plantation. The experience left a lasting impact on him. Even after arriving at BSBCC and being given access to forest enclosures, Amaco preferred to stay close to his cage. After spending most of his life confined, it was where he felt safest. His keepers understood this and made sure he received plenty of care, enrichment, and attention in the place where he was most comfortable. As the oldest bear at BSBCC, Amaco did things at his own pace and had a personality all his own. He was gentle, independent, and never afraid to let you know when he wasn't impressed, often with a bark.

At 33 years old, Amaco was the oldest sun bear under our care and lived well beyond the average lifespan of a wild sun bear. Over the years, he became a much-loved member of the BSBCC family, touching the lives of staff, volunteers, visitors, and supporters alike. We would like to thank all of Amaco's supporters. Your adoption and support helped provide him with lifelong care, comfort, enrichment, and wellbeing. Because of you, Amaco was able to spend his final years surrounded by dedicated people who cared deeply for him.

Thank you, Amaco, for the memories, the lessons, and the joy you brought to us. You will always hold a special place in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully, our old friend.








6/17/26

SMK Balaban Jaya Open Day (Balaban Jaya Fest) 2026

On 16 June 2026, our team was delighted to participate in the very first Balaban Jaya Fest at Sungai Nangka Hall, Beluran, from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

The event featured many exciting activities, including:

• Bazaria (Food Fair)

• Race & Sports Events

• Jungle Cooking Competition

• Exhibitions & Interactive Activities from Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

• Free Health Screening

• Open Karaoke Session

This event has provided our booth an opportunity to share information and raise awareness about the Sun Bear among students, teachers, parents and community members who attended the event.

We are grateful to the organizers for inviting our centre to be part of this event and would like to thank everyone who visited our booth and supported our activities. We hoping to look forward to meeting you again at future events.