6/29/26

Rest peacefully, our old friend, Amaco

With a heavy heart, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) would like to share the sad news that Amaco passed away on 24 June 2026 at the age of 33.

Over the past few weeks, Amaco's health had been declining. He had a poor appetite, was weak, and had difficulty standing. Blood tests indicated worsening kidney function and anemia. On the morning of 24 June 2026, during routine checks, his keepers found that he had passed away peacefully. A post-mortem examination revealed significant congestion in his lungs and liver, indicating that his circulation had been severely compromised. These findings are consistent with age-related organ deterioration and chronic heart disease.

Amaco's life was a difficult one. Before coming to BSBCC, he spent 18 years in a small cage at a plantation. The experience left a lasting impact on him. Even after arriving at BSBCC and being given access to forest enclosures, Amaco preferred to stay close to his cage. After spending most of his life confined, it was where he felt safest. His keepers understood this and made sure he received plenty of care, enrichment, and attention in the place where he was most comfortable. As the oldest bear at BSBCC, Amaco did things at his own pace and had a personality all his own. He was gentle, independent, and never afraid to let you know when he wasn't impressed, often with a bark.

At 33 years old, Amaco was the oldest sun bear under our care and lived well beyond the average lifespan of a wild sun bear. Over the years, he became a much-loved member of the BSBCC family, touching the lives of staff, volunteers, visitors, and supporters alike. We would like to thank all of Amaco's supporters. Your adoption and support helped provide him with lifelong care, comfort, enrichment, and wellbeing. Because of you, Amaco was able to spend his final years surrounded by dedicated people who cared deeply for him.

Thank you, Amaco, for the memories, the lessons, and the joy you brought to us. You will always hold a special place in our hearts and will never be forgotten.With a heavy heart, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) would like to share the sad news that Amaco passed away on 24 June 2026 at the age of 33.

Over the past few weeks, Amaco's health had been declining. He had a poor appetite, was weak, and had difficulty standing. Blood tests indicated worsening kidney function and anemia. On the morning of 24 June 2026, during routine checks, his keepers found that he had passed away peacefully. A post-mortem examination revealed significant congestion in his lungs and liver, indicating that his circulation had been severely compromised. These findings are consistent with age-related organ deterioration and chronic heart disease.

Amaco's life was a difficult one. Before coming to BSBCC, he spent 18 years in a small cage at a plantation. The experience left a lasting impact on him. Even after arriving at BSBCC and being given access to forest enclosures, Amaco preferred to stay close to his cage. After spending most of his life confined, it was where he felt safest. His keepers understood this and made sure he received plenty of care, enrichment, and attention in the place where he was most comfortable. As the oldest bear at BSBCC, Amaco did things at his own pace and had a personality all his own. He was gentle, independent, and never afraid to let you know when he wasn't impressed, often with a bark.

At 33 years old, Amaco was the oldest sun bear under our care and lived well beyond the average lifespan of a wild sun bear. Over the years, he became a much-loved member of the BSBCC family, touching the lives of staff, volunteers, visitors, and supporters alike. We would like to thank all of Amaco's supporters. Your adoption and support helped provide him with lifelong care, comfort, enrichment, and wellbeing. Because of you, Amaco was able to spend his final years surrounded by dedicated people who cared deeply for him.

Thank you, Amaco, for the memories, the lessons, and the joy you brought to us. You will always hold a special place in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully, our old friend.








6/17/26

SMK Balaban Jaya Open Day (Balaban Jaya Fest) 2026

On 16 June 2026, our team was delighted to participate in the very first Balaban Jaya Fest at Sungai Nangka Hall, Beluran, from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

The event featured many exciting activities, including:

• Bazaria (Food Fair)

• Race & Sports Events

• Jungle Cooking Competition

• Exhibitions & Interactive Activities from Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

• Free Health Screening

• Open Karaoke Session

This event has provided our booth an opportunity to share information and raise awareness about the Sun Bear among students, teachers, parents and community members who attended the event.

We are grateful to the organizers for inviting our centre to be part of this event and would like to thank everyone who visited our booth and supported our activities. We hoping to look forward to meeting you again at future events.



























Small Bear, Big Message

On 13–14 June 2026, our team, together with BSBCC Japan, successfully participated in a series of events at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MATiC), Kuala Lumpur, and Kinokuniya Suria KLCC.

The events featured exhibitions, art workshops, and storytelling sessions by the author of Kipaku: The Little Bornean Sun Bear, sharing the inspiring story of Borneo’s smallest bear and the importance of wildlife conservation.

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with visitors, artists, book lovers, and supporters while raising awareness about sun bear conservation.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the events. A special thank you to the organizers for the invitation and for providing such meaningful platforms for learning, creativity, and conservation awareness.