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.🥰