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!

Itam's Journey: From Rescue to Release 💪🐻

In 2020, Itam, a female sun bear cub, was found in an orchard in Kg. Kuala Sainait, Nabawan. The owner of the orchard found an orphan cub that appeared weak and had multiple dog bite wounds on her. The owner rescued the cub and eventually surrendered her to the Sabah Wildlife Department. Not long after, she became the 64th bear to be taken under the care of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). 

Itam had severe dental problem during her initial health check and showed stress related behaviour such as cage biting, which may have been the cause. She has then grown up to be a healthy and independent sun bear! Itam has always been very alert to her surroundings and easily frightened. When feeling threated, she charges and barks at others as warning to stay away.

Growing up in BSBCC, she was integrated into a group of other similar aged bear cubs and immediately we noticed that she had a very close bond with another sun bear – Kipaku. Kipaku was a source of confidence for Itam, who was very shy and did not really want to bond with humans. Whereby Kipaku was confident, goofy and extremely habituated to humans. During fence training, Itam learned very quickly to avoid the electrical wires. However, she needed extra moral support from Kipaku when it came to going out into the forest enclosure. Kipaku would confidently explore the forest with Itam following close behind mirroring his every move. 

Itam eventually showed signs of being very comfortable in the forest enclosure. She rarely came back to the bear house and would rather sleep high up in the thick forest canopy. She is the most elusive bear and her keepers always have a hard time trying to spot her. Even if they do, she is cautious, keeps her distance and will bark at them. Her keepers have observed her climbing at night and eating ants/insects from the tops of tall trees. She also would eat a variety of wild fruits that her keepers would find for her.

Over the past year, her management has been modified to suit a potential release candidate whereby her diet was changed to randomised amounts, variety and timing. Her exposure to humans has also been significantly decreased as only 3 keepers have been appointed to deal with her management and precaution (noise level and human activity) is taken when she is out in her enclosure. Behaviour observation data that was collected to further analyse her suitability to be a hard release candidate showed promising results!

Finally, the day has come!🔥

On March 10, 2025, Itam was released into the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity. When the door was opened, Itam immediately ran out and we saw her slow down to explore her new home a bit before disappearing into the forest.

We are sad to see Itam go, but extremely happy to have been there with her throughout her journey growing up to be the amazing wild sun bear that she is. This release marks a major milestone for BSBCC as Itam becomes the 13th sun bear to be rehabilitated and released by the centre. The effort is part of BSBCC's ongoing mission to conserve the sun bear species and their forest habitat, which faces threats from deforestation, poaching and pet trade.

We are deeply thankful to everyone who made Itam’s journey, from rescue to release, possible. Her freedom is a result of your compassion, hard work, and unwavering support.🥰

Bear Release - Itam 8

The mission of releasing Itam has completed. Now our challenge is to get out from the release site safely. The weather at the release site start to turn bad,  with patches of raincloud here and there, and raining here and there too. Luckily, we all managed to get out from the site safely. Thanks to our very experienced and skilled Captain Jamal and Captain Sofia and the crews from Sabah Air. No one left behind, nor bring back additional person 😜. Everyone is safe.

Good luck Itam! You are on your own now. May the force be with you! Live long, live healthy and propagate your species! Finally, thank you Sime Darby Foundation, Hasanah Foundation, Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Forestry Department, Hertfordshire Zoo,  Wild Planet and many other funders, partners, and supporters to make this project a success!  Thank you and I love you all!

Bear Release - Itam 7

At 11:04 am, Itam the sun bear dashed out from her crate after 18 long hours of confinement in the transport crate. She is freed. Totally free with no bar, no wall, and no fence to control their movement. She is now a  freed sun bear who live like one wild sun bear. For her, the real challenges begin today. She need to be able to find sufficient food, protect herself from all kind of dangers in the rainforest and stay healthy, stay strong and propagate her own species. I am sorry that we have killed your mom, destroyed your home and keeping you as a pets. I hope you never see another human beings again.

Bear Release - Itam 6

Before sending Itam the sun bear into the release site, the helicopter is sending the field crews in several trips. I was assigned in the 3rd trip. What an amazing experience of flying on top of Tabin Wildlife Reserve! It gives me a bird-eye view of this spectacular forest where the sun bears and other Bornean wildlife called home! This is how a secondary lowland Dipterocarp forest looks like. Thank you Captain Sofia and captain Jamal for flying us safely! 🙏🙏🙏

Bear Release - Itam 5

The helicopter from Sabah Air landed at 8:05am. Captain Jamal and Captain Sofia will be flying us to the release site today. The plan is to fly multiple trips to bring both field crews and Itam to the release site.. May the force be with us.. soon Itam will be free…….! Thank you @yayasan_hasanah @yayasansimedarbyofficial @mof_malaysia and all other funders and supporters to make our work possible!

Bear Release - 4

Time to go! Wish us luck! The journey has just begun!

We arrived at Lahad Datu, ahead of schedule.

We have arrived at Tabin Wildlife Reserve’s helipad safely. However, one of our vehicles in the convoy is stuck in the muddy road. Rescue operation is on the way. Itam is hungry and I am sleepy and tired. Hope all go well in the next few hours. Pray for us, please!

Bear Release - Itam 3

Itam was rescued and sent to @bsbcc on July 2020. Now when she is fully sedated, we can have a close look at her paws, her claws, her ears and her teeth. All of them are very special from other bears. Finally she is placed into the transportation crate to recover from the sedation. We will start our journey to freedom at midnight tonight.

Bear Release - Itam 2

After Dr Yeoh Boon Nie sedated Itam the sun bear, we carried her out from her den and start checking the satellite collar. All seems to work well. Thank you @yayasan_hasanah and @yayasansimedarbyofficial to help out sun bears. Itam soon will be roaming free……

Bear Release - Itam

The clock is ticking now: the team of BSBCC is preparing the release of our 13th rehab bear, Itam and release her back into the forest tomorrow. Itam is a sun bears that we rescue in 2020 on July. After four years of rehabilitation process, she is ready to go out into the forest. Tomorrow is the day where Itam can roam the forest for the second time!

A Warm Welcome and a Fond Farewell!

A Warm Welcome and a Fond Farewell! 🌟

Today, we are thrilled to welcome our new APE Malaysia international volunteers: Leo, Carolina, Klara, Hikari, Sakurako, and Tallulah! Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey to conserve the smallest bear species in the world—the sun bear. 🐾 Your passion and dedication inspire us!

At the same time, we bid a heartfelt goodbye to our amazing UPM interns: Zaim, Rahman, Wen Huey, Marian, Aqil Aiman, Aqil, Khabir, and Wafeq. Thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to protecting these gentle and unique bears. You’ve made a lasting impact, and you’ll always be part of the BSBCC family. 💛🐻

Here's to teamwork, conservation, and a brighter future for sun bears everywhere! 🌏✨

2025-02-25 Outreach to SD Guthrie Sentosa Estate, Sukau

Yesterday, HUMANA students and senior management from SD Guthrie Sentosa Estate, Sukau, Kinabatangan, Sabah, had the privilege of participating in a dynamic and insightful wildlife education programme.

 

The event, supported by the Sabah Wildlife Department, BSBCC, and Orangutan Appeal UK, featured a series of educational talks, interactive quizzes, and a mask colouring competition where students not only honed their creativity but also learned about the importance of wildlife conservation. The event culminated in an exhibition that provided a deeper understanding of the region’s diverse wildlife and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them. We are deeply grateful to the SD Guthrie Sentosa Estate and the Sabah Wildlife Department for their generous invitation and support in organizing this meaningful event. Your commitment to educating the community and fostering environmental awareness is truly commendable.

 

We also thank the Sabah Wildlife Department for their invaluable insights and the tireless work they do to safeguard Sabah’s rich biodiversity. The warmth and enthusiasm from the students, as well as the eagerness to engage and ask questions, made the day even more special. The senior management’s involvement added to the collaborative spirit that made this event such a success. It was heartening to witness the active participation and growing interest in wildlife conservation.

 

This programme has left us inspired and reminded us of the importance of educating the next generation on the significance of protecting our natural heritage. We look forward to many more such opportunities for collaboration and growth. Thank you again for the warm reception and for making this a day to remember. 🌿🦧

Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment (KePKAS) visit (21 Feb 2025)

We were honored to have the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), YBhg. Datuk Wira Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, and Datuk Josie Lai Mei Sing, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment (KePKAS), visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Dr. Wong Siew Te was excited to give a brief introduction about BSBCC and share the past, current, and future development plans of BSBCC with the delegates.

As the official mascot for #VisitMalaysia2026, the Sun Bear represents our commitment to preserving this incredible species while welcoming tourists from around the globe to experience Malaysia’s natural wonders.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) for their support and funding of our centre. Let’s work together to protect the Sun Bear and showcase Malaysia’s rich wildlife and culture to the world! 🌿🌍