2024 is shaping up to be a year of significant milestones, with a series of exciting and history-making events in the conservation of Bornean sun bears.
One of the standout achievements is the realization of the
long-discussed soft rehabilitation project by the Tabin Sun Bear Project
(TSBP). Early this year, the project began with the in-situ soft rehabilitation
of a sun bear cub named Tenom. This process aims to simulate the natural
mother-cub relationship, with keepers acting as surrogate mothers, caring for
Tenom in a forest environment. This approach helps her develop essential
survival skills and gradually become independent, fully weaning off human care.
The project is expected to take several years to complete, requiring
substantial financial and human resources. However, the rewards are clear, as
Tenom grows stronger and more fit in her natural habitat. At nearly two years
old, Tenom’s full independence may take another year or two, and we hope she
will continue to grow into a confident and competent bear in 2025. This pilot
project at the BSBCC is a significant step forward, and we are grateful for the
progress made so far.
Another groundbreaking success for sun bear conservation in
Malaysia this year was the successful completion of ocular microsurgeries on
four sun bears. As captive sun bears tend to live longer than their wild
counterparts, they are often more susceptible to age-related health issues like
cataracts. This year, four sun bears at BSBCC were diagnosed with cataracts,
and the surgeries to correct their vision were carried out with great success.
This achievement is a testament to BSBCC's capacity to carry out advanced
veterinary procedures and our commitment to providing high-quality care for the
bears. This accomplishment was made possible through the collaborative efforts
of local specialists from both veterinary and human healthcare sectors,
including Dr. Nadzariah Cheng, Dr. Chiang Wai Seng, Dr. Wai Yong Zheng, Dr.
Nurhayati Abdul Kadir, Ms. Fatimah, Ms. Hidayah, Dr. Jessie Ho, Mr. Kok Soon
Huat, and his wife. Together, we made this milestone possible.
Beyond eye care, BSBCC has continued to strengthen
partnerships with experts to advance overall sun bear health and research. We
are deeply grateful for the support of Dr. Cedric Tutt and Dr. Anthony Leong,
who have assisted with dental and cardiac care for the bears. We also extend
our gratitude to the many researchers from different universities, including
UPM, UNIMAS, UMK, the University of Sunshine Coast, and Sunway University.
Their research is invaluable and plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding
of this species. Every contribution, no matter how small, enhances the bigger
picture of conservation efforts.
This year, BSBCC published several important papers critical
to sun bear conservation. Among these publications are a report on the
successful hard release of 12 sun bears and a study detailing the hand-rearing
of a sun bear named Luna. These papers are meaningful, that we share our
experiences and the knowledge we’ve gained beyond BSBCC, contributing to the
wider conservation community.
Another highlight of the year was the outreach program
attended by the BSBCC bear care team to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park and Matang
Wildlife Centre. We were invited to assist with a keeper training course at Lok
Kawi Wildlife Park and a sun bear health care program at Matang Wildlife Centre
These invitations were an important recognition of the expertise of BSBCC's
bear care team in the field of sun bear conservation.
However, this year also brought a heartbreaking loss with
the sudden death of Kukuton, which highlighted the potential threat of heart
disease in sun bears. Shortly after this loss, BSBCC received a rescued sun
bear cub named Pitang, approximately six months old. Pitang’s story mirrors
that of other rescued cubs—she was found alone, likely orphaned by poachers,
and surrendered to the Sabah Wildlife Department. This incident underscores the
ongoing human-wildlife conflict and the importance of addressing the root
causes of such tragedies.
Finally, kudos to the bear care team, TSBP team and everyone
in BSBCC. The challenges faced this year have been significant, but the team's
dedication and perseverance have led to many successes. We also extend our
heartfelt thanks to all the supporters and donors who have placed their trust
in us and supported our efforts in every way possible.
Looking ahead to 2025, we hope that no more sun bears are
taken from the wild due to human greed, that we can successfully reintroduce
more bears back into their natural habitats, and that the current captive
population continues to live healthy and happy lives.
For a healthier planet, where all creatures can thrive.🌍
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