Rotten Log Enrichment – A Delight for Ronnie Boy

#KeeperDiaries : Rotten Log Enrichment – A Delight for Ronnie Boy

Today, I’m set to provide an enriching experience for one of my most cherished bears, Ronnie Boy. Unfortunately, due to previous trauma, Ronnie Boy does not like to go into the forest enclosure after years of coaxing and fence training. Therefore, I’ve decided to bring a piece of the forest to him in the form of a rotten log enrichment. This will not only stimulate his natural behaviors but hopefully also bring him some joy.

After searching through the forest, I found the most perfect rotten log. This log is not just any log, but a carefully selected one, teeming with the rich, earthy scents and textures that Sun Bears find irresistible. Two key ingredients were then used – peanut butter and pandan coconut essence – which are very popular amongst many of our bears. The combination of the peanut butter’s nutty flavor and the pandan coconut essence’s sweet scent creates an irresistible attraction for Ronnie Boy. As he approaches the log, his keen sense of smell is immediately drawn to the enticing mixture.

Ronnie Boy is a mellow and sweet bear so I do not expect a big reaction out of him. He slowly approaches the log in curiosity and starts licking the log realizing there are tasty treats inside! His long, sharp claws then come into play, helping him dig into the log to reach the delicious rewards hidden within.

This enrichment helps Ronnie Boy to exercise (crucial for a captive bear who doesn’t want to go outside) and also enhances his natural behaviors such as foraging. Ronnie Boy is one of our residents who aren’t so lucky and due to the trauma of living in captivity all his life, he has no intention of going outside and enjoying the beautiful forest environment. With this, we are only able to do our part and try to give him the best life indoors.

Thank you to the Yayasan Hasanah, Kementerian Kewangan, and Yayasan Sime Darby for always supporting our work. This allows us to help all our bears even with whatever situation they may be in. Ronnie Boy will always be loved by his keepers even if he chooses not to go outside!

#bsbcc #conservation #rehabilitation #sunbear