Ranging from Southern China to Eastern India and as far south as Indonesia, the Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) take their name from the bib-shaped golden patch on their chest; which, according to legend, represents the rising sun.

Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malaynus). Photo by BSBCC.     

Being the smallest amongst bears, sun bears are also the most arboreal (tree-living); and are the second rarest bear species that live in tropical lowland forests. They are mainly diurnal, and build nests in trees to sleep in.

However, being the smallest comes with a price as the total sun bear population has declined by at least 30% in the last 30 years due to habitat loss, commercial hunting, and illegal pet trade—contributing to the sun bears being classified as vulnerable in the wild.

Earning its alternative name: honey bear, this bear shows off his distinctive long tongue (20-25cm)
used for honey extraction from beehives.Photo by BSBCC.

Nevertheless, efforts taken by dedicated field experts to protect and conserve these small bears have been ceaseless.

No place like this one

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) was founded in 2008 by Dr Wong Siew Te (affectionately known as Papa Bear to many in the field). Located in Sandakan, Sabah, the BSBCC’s partners include the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, and the Sabah-based organisation Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP).

Dr Wong, a trained wildlife biologist, shares how his pioneering studies of sun bears has led him to one of the most threatened wildlife habitats in the region—the Bornean rainforests, where fieldwork is exceedingly difficult to conduct.

Dr. Wong Siew Te, better known as Papa Bear. Photo by BSBCC.

He started the BSBCC to provide care and rehabilitation for rescued sun bears and to increase awareness of sun bears internationally. Recognising this as an uphill challenge, he knows that every voice counts in helping and supporting the cause.

Staff aside, the BSBCC is aided by the many volunteers and interns who dedicate their time making sure the centre’s operations and projects are successful.

“BSBCC welcomes volunteers and I believe that they play an important role in conserving our sun bears no matter how long their volunteering period is.”
– Dr. Wong Siew Te

If you are considering volunteering at the BSBCC, here are some of the tasks you will be involved with.

• Animal husbandry
  From cleaning cages to feeding the bears, you will work with different sun bears at the BSBCC—depending on the needs of the bears, keepers, or the centre. As hygiene is the most important factor to prevent diseases, cleaning is essential!

• Enrichment
  Tasks involve designing and preparing enrichment activities to stimulate the animals, and improve their living conditions as part of the rehabilitation process, such as:
  • Providing leaves in cages for bedding and nesting
  • Placing branches from fig or other fruit trees in the bears’ enclosures, observing their behaviour
  • Designing rope work
  • Hiding treats to encourage foraging behaviour

• Sun bear observation
  Gain fieldwork experience in the rainforest environment during sun bear observation periods.

• Construction
  Designing and working on small construction projects to improve the bears’ night dens or enclosures; and/or assisting in building new exhibits and extensions, or improving existing exhibits by adding furniture or painting.

• Education
  As the BSBCC welcomes guests every day, you may be asked to lead educational programmes such as talks and tours to school children and guests. You may also design education sessions for them.

With this general idea of what is expected of a volunteer, here are some helpful tips, as shared by the BSBCC’s Environmental Education Executive, Gloria Ganang. These ensure that volunteers’ interactions with the bears support rather than hinder successful rehabilitation into the wild.

 1. Always stay with your Buddy

No prior experience at a conservation centre is required. During your time at the BSBCC, you will be assigned a Bear Keeper or Buddy—an experienced volunteer or staff member, who will supervise your daily tasks.

Much can be learned from observing and conversing with your Buddy. It is also assuring to know that there is someone you can immediately check with if you are unsure how to handle any situation.

Volunteers are paired up with a Buddy. Photo by BSBCC.

2. Be mindful of free roaming animals at all times

Keep in mind that free roaming orangutans from the neighbouring Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre may enter the BSBCC site. Although it may be tempting to approach and engage with them, it is strongly advised against doing so as this may affect their rehabilitation process.

Also keep all equipment, tools, materials, instruments, and personal belongings in a safe place and out of reach of the animals.

3. Wear proper attire

Wear dark coloured shirts, long pants, and rubber boots when working onsite. Although wearing bright clothes alone is unlikely to scare off wildlife in most situations, it could, however, impact the behaviour of the sun bears.

If you are trying to observe the sun bears, wear muted or dark colours to blend into the environment to minimise disturbances.

Volunteers dressed in proper attire, getting ready to feed the sun bears. Photo by BSBCC.

4. Do not touch or call the bears

As the goal of rehabilitating the sun bears is to return them to the wild, human interactions with them are kept to a minimum.

Therefore, never touch or call the bears at any time for any reason, tempting as it may be. Bears that have too much human interaction become habituated to people and have a lowered chance of surviving in the wild.

Visitors quietly watch the sun bear from a safe distance. Photo by BSBCC.

5. Do not enter any enclosure with a bear

Volunteers must ensure that all enclosures are clear and safe before entering for cleaning and maintenance. As most of the sun bears in the centre were rescued from captivity, they may react differently to changes in their environment. Their behaviour can be unpredictable; therefore, the centre emphasises safety for all volunteers and guests.

Through public visits, outreach, and research programmes, the BSBCC is an important platform for the public to learn about our magnificent sun bears. Whether you have a passion for animal conservation, or are just an adventurous soul willing to get your hands dirty while travelling, consider joining the many volunteers from all over the world who have done their small part to further the mission of the BSBCC. 

Learn how you can volunteer with the BSBCC.

Writer: Rebecca Anne Chin (The Habitat Foundation)
Contributors: Dr. Wong Siew Te and Gloria Ganang (Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre)