Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre | Sandakan

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is a vital conservation facility located in Sepilok, near Sandakan, in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. The center is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Bornean sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), the smallest bear species in the world, which is native to the island of Borneo. It focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating sun bears that have been rescued from illegal pet trade, poaching, and deforestation, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.

Key Features of Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Focus on Bornean Sun Bears:

• The Bornean sun bear, also known as the dog bear due to its size and appearance, has a distinctive yellow or white crescent-shaped patch on its chest, which resembles the rising sun. This unique feature gives the bear its name.
• The Bornean sun bear is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and the BSBCC plays a crucial role in ensuring its survival through rescue, rehabilitation, and research.

Rescue and Rehabilitation:

• The BSBCC rescues sun bears that have been illegally kept as pets or have been injured due to human-wildlife conflict or deforestation. Many of the bears come from illegal wildlife trade or are kept in small cages and suffer physical and psychological harm.
• The center provides a rehabilitation program, where the bears are given a chance to regain their natural instincts. They are introduced to larger, more natural enclosures with access to trees, climbing structures, and natural habitats that resemble the wild.

Natural Enclosures:

• The BSBCC has designed its enclosures to mimic the natural habitat of the sun bears, with trees, climbing platforms, and pools where the bears can forage, climb, and dig, just as they would in the wild.
• The enclosures also feature large spaces for the bears to roam, play, and interact with each other, helping to prepare them for eventual release back into the wild if possible.

Educational Center and Visitor Experience:

• The BSBCC features an education center that provides informative displays and exhibits about sun bears, their conservation status, and the threats they face. Visitors can learn about the importance of protecting sun bears and their forest habitat.
• The center also offers guided tours for visitors to observe the bears up close in their enclosures. The feeding sessions and activities like climbing and playing give visitors a chance to see the bears’ natural behaviors, including foraging for food and interacting with one another.
• The center is an excellent place for wildlife education, where guests can gain insights into the importance of wildlife conservation and how they can contribute to protecting species like the sun bear.

Research and Conservation Programs:

• In addition to rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the BSBCC also focuses on scientific research to better understand sun bears’ behavior, ecology, and needs in the wild. This research helps inform conservation strategies both locally and globally.
• The BSBCC is actively involved in local and international conservation networks, advocating for the protection of Bornean sun bears and their rainforest habitats, which are rapidly being destroyed by deforestation.

Important Contributions to Sun Bear Conservation:

• The center is an essential contributor to the conservation of the sun bear species, as it serves as one of the few places in Borneo where these bears can receive rehabilitation and care after being exploited.
• The BSBCC also raises awareness about the challenges facing sun bears in the wild, such as habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade. The center encourages visitors to support wildlife protection efforts and to help reduce the negative impact of human activity on Borneo’s wildlife.

Things to Do at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Observe Sun Bears in Natural Enclosures:

• One of the main attractions of the BSBCC is the opportunity to observe the sun bears up close in their natural enclosures. The enclosures are designed to provide the bears with opportunities to climb, forage, and explore just like they would in the wild.
• Visitors can see the sun bears interacting with each other, engaging in natural behaviors, and enjoying enrichment activities such as playing and climbing.

Feeding Sessions:

• Visitors can watch feeding sessions, which are held at designated times during the day. This is a great opportunity to observe the bears’ foraging behaviors and how they search for food in their enclosures. The bears are often fed a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other food items that are part of their natural diet.

Take a Guided Tour:

• A guided tour around the center provides a more in-depth understanding of the rescue and rehabilitation efforts being carried out at the BSBCC. Knowledgeable staff explain the history of each bear, the challenges they have faced, and the steps taken to help them.
• The guides also provide insights into the broader conservation efforts in Borneo and the importance of protecting the forest ecosystem.

Learn About Sun Bear Conservation:

• Visitors can learn about the conservation challenges facing the sun bears, including habitat destruction and poaching. The center’s educational displays highlight the importance of protecting sun bears and their habitat and offer visitors ways to contribute to conservation efforts.
• The education center features exhibits about the Bornean rainforest, the wildlife trade, and the role of conservation organizations in protecting species like the sun bear.

Support Wildlife Conservation:

• By visiting the BSBCC, visitors contribute to the sustainability of the center and support the rescue and rehabilitation efforts for sun bears. The center offers a variety of ways to get involved, including donations, adoption programs, and volunteer opportunities.
• Visitors can also purchase souvenirs from the center’s gift shop, with proceeds going towards the center’s conservation initiatives.

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is during the dry season, which typically lasts from March to October. This period offers more predictable weather, making it easier to enjoy the outdoor activities and guided tours.
• However, the center is open year-round, and visitors can come at any time to see the bears, learn about their conservation, and support the center’s mission.

How to Get There

• The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is located in Sepilok, which is about 25 kilometers from the city of Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysia. The center is easily accessible by car or taxi from Sandakan.
• There are also guided tours available from Sandakan that can take visitors to both the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Conclusion

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Bornean sun bear, one of the most unique and vulnerable species in Southeast Asia. The center offers visitors the opportunity to witness the rehabilitation of sun bears while learning about the pressing threats these bears face in the wild. By visiting the BSBCC, tourists not only gain a deeper understanding of this endangered species but also contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect and conserve Borneo’s rich biodiversity.