Sun Bear Assistant
Project Objectives
- Improve conditions of sun bears in captivity and rehabilitation through creating environmental and food enrichment;
- Work alongside keepers to raise the quality of current enrichment standards at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre;
- Learn about sun bears in the rehabilitation stage and process of releasing them back into the wild;
- Understand and compare situations of captive/rehabilitated sun bears and those with threatened habitats;
- Raise awareness of responsible living and travelling among tourists, the local community and students.
Project Description and Project Site
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, better known as BSBCC, is based approximately 19km from Sandakan town. It’s located next to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and is also linked to existing forest trails and boardwalks.
The centre currently has 2 bear houses that house 43 bears as well as 1.14 hectares of natural forest enclosure, where the bears can roam free during the day (and night). There’s also an observation platform for visitors to spend time learning about the bears through personal observation and information shared by the staff of BSBCC.
Project Highlights
BSBCC: Animals in captivity and rehabilitation centres need to be stimulated. Besides assisting the centre in husbandry, you’ll be making enrichment for the sun bears. Examples of enrichment include hunting for termite mounds, making browse out of leaves and twigs, and constructing climbing structures.
Sepilok: You’ll be given a total of 2/4 days off during your programme. During your off days, experience Borneo wildlife in the rainforest treetops by walking on a 363 m Canopy Walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. You can also visit the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre where you will learn about the challenges of orang-utan rehabilitation and see semi-wild orangutans roaming the treetops.
Note: Programmes are subject to change depending on the community and/or school calendar.