6/4/22

A Beary Good Time With BSBCC

Text by: Fairuz Hafizah bt Md Yusoff

Photos by: Seng Yen Wah & Fairuz Hafizah bt Md Yusof


Growing up, I have always found myself fascinated with wild animals. Something about them just strikes me as out of this world yet still very much grounds me to the absolute beauty of nature. Fast forward and I'm setting foot into my degree years in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ecstatic to finally get the chance to work with these magnificent creatures. I didn't have a plan per se, but I did have a rough picture; essentially of me gliding through the semesters and then skipping to the part where it's all rose-coloured, Steve-Irwin-like scenes. Alas, Covid barged in and said otherwise. Online studies had me dissociating from the idea of actually becoming a veterinarian, much less one practicing in the wild. That being said, I was looking forward to finally going for my first internship, wildlife at that, and getting as much exposure as possible.

​Choosing an industry was more nerve-wrecking than I thought. I had concerns of regrets, but upon landing in Sandakan, I knew, applying to BSBCC would not be one of them. My friends and I were treated with such warmth and camaraderie throughout the times we were in their hands. Everybody was such a delight. Being so driven too, I could actually feel the love and passion they have for their work; they inspire me so. One of my favourite revelations there was that in loving animals, these wild creatures especially, there is so much more to it than just pats and kisses. Sometimes the best we could do for them is what we do from afar. The serotonin may not come from hugging sun bears, but seeing them thrive in the wild, living their best life definitely does the trick and is more than enough. You're doing amazing, BSBCC! I can't thank you enough for those two weeks. All the times we spent together will be cherished dearly. Rest assured, I will be waiting for our next encounter in the future. See you again!







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