KOTA KINABALU: The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) marked the 9th International Sun Bear Day on Friday (May 16), emphasising the role of conservation education in connecting people with wildlife.
This year’s event, themed “Conservation Education: Bridging People and Wildlife”, aimed to raise awareness about the critical role of sun bears in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
The celebration, held at the BSBCC in Sepilok, Sandakan, saw participation from around 50 students and teachers from local schools, including SJK (C) Ming Chung, SJK (C) Yuk Choi, SK Sung Siew, SK Muhibbah, and SMK Elopura.
Students participated in interactive guided tours and a sun bear enrichment activity, learning about animal welfare and conservation. Prior to the event, the Centre hosted online contests such as quizzes, doodle art, and drawing competitions, open to local and international audiences.
Visitors to the BSBCC also enjoyed a pre-celebration event from May 3 to 4, featuring booths from the BSBCC itself, Sepilok Junior Rangers, and Kolej Vokasional Sandakan, offering interactive activities for all ages.
BSBCC Founder Dr Wong Siew Te said the International Sun Bear Day, first celebrated on May 16, 2015, commemorates the release of the first rehabilitated sun bear, Natalie, at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
“The existence of sun bears is often misunderstood, even among Malaysians. As the smallest among the eight living bear species in the world, they are a unique part of Malaysia’s natural heritage. However, habitat loss and illegal hunting have led to a decline in their numbers,” Dr Wong said.
He added that since its establishment in 2008, the BSBCC has rescued 70 sun bears, of which 13 have been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Two young bears are currently undergoing a “soft release” process, where they are gradually introduced back to the forest.
Dr Wong also emphasised the importance of wildlife tourism in sustaining the Centre’s operations, with over RM3.5 million generated annually from visitor contributions.
“Wildlife conservation and eco-tourism are interconnected. The more visitors we attract, the more funding we have to protect these bears and their habitats,” he said.
BSBCC’s ongoing efforts are crucial as the Centre continues to promote the conservation of sun bears while providing rehabilitation for those rescued from illegal captivity.
