Last night, we welcomed our 73rd rescued sun bear, Lumaku.
He is an estimated 1-year-old male, weighing around 15 kg.
Lumaku’s journey began long before his rescue. After a
public complaint was made, authorities inspected a theme park on the northern
coast of Sabah and discovered him being kept illegally in an enclosure for
exhibition. He was then rescued by the Sabah Wildlife Department and safely
transferred to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre on 8th April 2026.
This rescue highlights the importance of public education in
raising awareness about sun bears. Even when keeping them is claimed to be for
their “benefit,” it is illegal and harmful to keep sun bears as pets. Learning
and sharing the facts helps prevent future cases and protects these incredible
animals in the wild.
Lumaku had been kept at the theme park since he was a cub.
He was bought from villagers for about RM1000 and raised under human care.
During that time, he was fed fried and boiled chicken, a diet far from what a
sun bear would naturally eat.
Upon arrival, Lumaku was observed to be very active and
physically healthy. He was alert, responsive, and displayed a friendly nature.
His curiosity about his surroundings and careful observation of people
reflected the environment in which he had been raised.
Although he appeared well, Lumaku will require time,
guidance, and careful rehabilitation to relearn natural bear behaviors such as
climbing, foraging, and exploring, skills he never had the chance to practice
while being kept in a limited space. Each small step will be important for his
development and overall well-being.
Now, as Rescue 73, Lumaku begins a new chapter, one where he
will slowly learn, adapt, and rediscover what it truly means to be a bear
again.
