Following the completion of the post-mortem examination and histopathological analysis, we are saddened to share the passing of our beloved sun bear, Sigalung, who passed away on 10 May 2026 at the age of 19. The findings confirmed that he died of sudden heart and lung failure caused by an undetected long-term heart disease.
Born in 2007, Sigalung was found by villagers near a logging
camp in the Sipitang district, southwest of Sabah, together with another young
sun bear, Phin. It is believed that their mother had likely been killed before
the two cubs were taken and kept as illegal pets. Both were rescued and brought
to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park before Sigalung was later transferred to BSBCC on 1
March 2014.
Sigalung had a personality that was impossible to forget. As
he grew older, he became a confident, adventurous, and cheeky bear with a
strong character. Like many adult male sun bears, he could be territorial and
would often challenge the other males. Yet beneath his bold personality was a
bear who once feared stepping into the forest.
When Sigalung first arrived at BSBCC, he stayed close to the
safety of his den and was reluctant to venture out. For almost two years, he
underwent fence training supported by patient and consistent care. On July
2017, he finally stepped into the forest enclosure for the first time. After
that, he rarely looked back. Each time the guillotine door opened, he would
immediately head out into the forest, even in light rain, spending his time
exploring, foraging, and moving through the landscape with growing confidence.
We are grateful to have been part of Sigalung's journey.
From his first uncertain days to the confidence he found in the forest, his
story reflects the impact of giving rescued sun bears the time and space to
adjust, heal, and grow. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and cared for
him.
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