I am sad to announce the death of 2 sun bears at the BOSF Samboja Lestari sanctuary in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The first is that of a cub called Wis, sadly attacked and killed by another bear while being walked in the forest. We knew that this bear was around, but we could not imagine that she would actually attack a cub. This has never happened before. We now need to catch her and relocate her to a vast forest area inland so that she doesn’t harm any future cubs. The second loss is that of an old blind bear Dawai who died of a heart attack on 30 September 2024. He was his normal self until he had a stroke and died within minutes. May Wis and Dawai rest in peace.
Enclosure J – reinforced fence foundation
Other than this sad news, the other 74 sun bears at BOS Samboja Lestari are doing well and Sun Bear Outreach continues to supervise the maintenance of the 20 forest enclosures and to help improve the welfare of the bears. Our recent biggest job, made possible thanks to the funds from the United World College of Singapore, was to reinforce the foundation of one of the fences that was threatened by erosion and land slide.
Our new project this year is to help in the slow-release of two sun bear cubs in South Sumatra, working with a rescue center called Sumatra Wildlife Center (SWC). The plan is to bring two cubs to the forest and accompany them daily until they are old enough to fend for themselves. SWC is now setting up the forest camp and the night cage for the cubs who should be brought out there before the end of October to begin their new life.
Mano – cub to be released (photo SWC)
Sun Bear Outreach just ordered 2 collars equipped with VHS transmitters and a receiver to be able to track the cubs. The cost for this material is USD 2,100 and we are hoping that you may want to participate in this adventure with a donation to help cover the cost.
Thank your interest in the sun bears and for your support, allowing Sun Bear Outreach to help improve animal welfare.
Forest camp on release site (photo SWC)