KOTA KINABALU: An upgraded sun bear exhibit has been launched at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near here, aimed at promoting better conservation of these endangered species.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said the enhanced exhibit area is also designed to accommodate more sun bears in a spacious day stall area for public viewing.
”It aims to strengthen conservation efforts, educate the public, and raise awareness about the threats faced by this vulnerable species, particularly those related to wildlife crime,” he said at the launching ceremony today (April 27).
He said it timed perfectly with Malaysia’s preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 where the sun bear has been chosen as the official mascot with the launch expected to boost local and international tourism.
It marks a major step forward in promoting conservation and improving animal welfare,” Mohd Soffian added.
He said the upgraded exhibit is the result of a successful collaboration between the Sabah Wildlife Department, Wild Welfare (WW), and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC).
It features newly added enrichment structures and furniture designed to stimulate the sun bears’ natural behaviours, creating a more dynamic and welfare-focused environment for the bears living in captivity at the wildlife park.
Founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Dr Wong Siew Te, said sun bears are the smallest bear species in the world and are among the most threatened species, often falling victim to illegal wildlife trade.
“This exhibit not only provides a better living environment for the bears but also helps the public understand the urgent need for their conservation,” he said.
Simon Marsh, Operations Manager at Wild Welfare, said it is inspiring to see Lok Kawi Wildlife Park taking important steps to improve animal welfare.
Allowing sun bears to express their natural behaviour in captivity is crucial for their mental and physical well-being, he said.
He said Wild Welfare will continue to support the wildlife park by providing training and technical advice to assist further improvements at the park.
Currently, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park houses seven sun bears, three males and four females, most of which were rescued from illegal ownership or voluntarily surrendered to the Sabah Wildlife Department.
Since 2015, the wildlife park has successfully rehabilitated and released 13 sun bears back into the wild, reinforcing its critical role as a rescue and rehabilitation centre.
The upgrading project, which began in January 2025 and concluded on April 24, 2025, cost RM230,000.
The improvements provide a more naturalistic, engaging environment for the bears, while offering visitors a closer and more meaningful experience with one of Malaysia’s most iconic wildlife species.
The public can visit the newly upgraded Sun Bear Exhibit at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
