This morning, we welcomed students and teachers from SK Pekan Lahad Datu to BSBCC. It was a truly inspiring day dedicated to learning about sun bears and the significance of conservation. We are excited to share our mission with the future generation of wildlife protectors!
Today, we welcomed a group of students and lecturers from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Conservation Biology) for an inspiring and educational experience at the BSBCC. They had the chance to learn about the crucial role of conservation in safeguarding these remarkable creatures.
A visit to the Centre offers a unique
opportunity for nature and wildlife enthusiasts—come witness the sun bears up
close and contribute to their conservation efforts! Make a difference with your
visit and join the mission to protect the sun bears.
👁🐻Veterinary
Milestones: Cataract Surgeries in Bornean Sun Bears🐻👁
Cataracts are a common condition in older sun bears,
particularly as those in captivity tend to live longer than their wild
counterparts. This increased lifespan can lead to a higher prevalence of
age-related issues, including cataracts, which significantly impact their
quality of life. Addressing this problem is essential for enhancing the welfare
of these magnificent animals and ensuring they can enjoy their later years in
good health.
🐻A New Hope for Sun Bears🐻
Earlier last month, four Bornean sun bears were diagnosed
with cataracts, impairing their vision and overall quality of life. Following
comprehensive eye examinations, a team of dedicated veterinarians and
specialists set out to restore their sight through advanced surgical
techniques. On October 31, 2024, the surgeries took place, making history as
the first of their kind conducted on this species in Malaysia.
🐻Celebrating Teamwork and
Expertise🐻
The successful surgeries were made possible through an
incredible partnership between BSBCC and several dedicated professionals.
Special thanks to Dr. Nadzariah Cheng, the veterinary ophthalmologist from
Animed Veterinary Center, the ophthalmology team from Hospital Duchess of Kent
– specialists Dr. Chiang Wai Seng, Dr. Wai Yong Zheng, Dr. Nurhayati Abdul
Kadir, paramedics nurses Fatimah, and Hidayah, along with Dr. Jessie Ho from
Jesselton Animal Clinic, and the technical specialists Mr. and Mrs. Kok, who provided
the necessary surgical equipment. Their expertise and collaboration were
crucial to the success of this pioneering effort.
🐻Importance of
Post-Operative Care🐻
Post-operative management is critical to preventing
complications such as inflammation and infection. Our dedicated keepers have
been essential in training the bears to accept eye drops and follow their
medication schedules, ensuring a smooth recovery process.
Kudos to the bear care team for their incredible dedication
and hard work! The complete recovery of the bears' eyesight may take a month or
even longer, and we will remain vigilant in monitoring their progress. Our team
is committed to providing the necessary care and attention during this crucial
healing period to ensure a successful recovery for each bear.
🐻Looking Ahead🐻
These surgeries not only improve the individual welfare of
the sun bears but also highlight the potential for similar interventions in
other wildlife species facing vision impairments due to cataracts.
The successful cataract surgeries in Bornean sun bears are a
testament to the advancements in veterinary medicine and the commitment to sun
bear conservation in BSBCC. Together, we can continue to make strides in
preserving our planet’s biodiversity for future generations.
Disclaimer: Video shown is the removal of Julaini’s cataract
and is for educational purposes only. Video contains blood.
Update on Pitang - our 70th rescued sun bear🐻
In her first days at her new home, we noticed Pitang's back
legs were weak, causing her to stumble and struggle with climbing. This could
be due to malnutrition or dehydration from her time away from her mother.
Additionally, her constant scratching indicated she was suffering from mites
and mild skin conditions.
Despite these challenges, Pitang has formed a strong bond
with her human caretakers, who have been encouraging her to climb and
strengthen her back legs. With the dedicated care of our vet, her medical
conditions have been treated, and she is now a healthy, active bear who loves
to climb and play.
Pitang's diet still mainly consists of milk, but her keepers
are gradually introducing various fruits and natural food items, helping her
learn to forage on her own. We are so proud of her progress and excited to
watch her thrive! 🐻💪
Thank you SJK (C) Pai Cheng all the way from Kunak to visit us today! They enjoyed seeing the Sun Bears in the forest enclosure for the first time and learning about them. We hope they had a great time while visiting here, and gained some knowledge about Sun Bears. Thank you once again and see you!
