Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Restoring Hope for the World’s Smallest Bear
Visitors to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sepilok, Sabah, are often greeted by the sight of a cream-coloured muzzle framed by black fur peeking through the thick jungle foliage. This is the Bornean sun bear, the world’s smallest bear species, which stands at around 70 cm at the shoulder and is endemic to Borneo.
Founded in 2008 by Dr (Hon.) Wong Siew Te, BSBCC is the only sun bear conservation centre in the world. It is dedicated to the welfare and rehabilitation of sun bears and does education and research to promote their conservation. YSD’s early involvement from 2012 to 2015 helped in funding the construction of the bear house and observation platform, after which the NGO became self-sustaining.
Bornean sun bears are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for the centre, which nearly led to its closure. In response, YSD provided critical funding support to ensure the centre’s survival. YSD’s total commitment of RM5.69 million has supported various aspects of the centre’s operations, from building essential infrastructure between 2012 and 2015 to covering personnel costs, bear release operations, administrative expenses, and vehicle maintenance. This support has been crucial in maintaining the care and rehabilitation of the 44 bears housed at the centre and has facilitated the release of several bears back into the wild.
During this period, YSD facilitated the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to provide a matching grant of RM790,000 which went towards bolstering BSBCC’s community and education outreach programmes. The goal was to raise awareness on the sun bear’s plight and promote public support through adoption programmes and donations. The fund also facilitated the development of infrastructure necessary for the sun bear soft-release operation at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Dr Wong Siew Te’s pioneering work and the ongoing support from YSD and other partners have made BSBCC a beacon of hope for sun bear conservation, ensuring these charming creatures have a future in the wild.
Dr Wong Siew Te is a well-known biologist and the first Malaysian to undertake a study on sun bears.
In celebration of its 10th anniversary earlier this year, BSBCC launched a new wheelchair-friendly bridge and pathway, replacing the old Gelugob bridge to improve accessibility for all visitors, with the initiative facilitated by the Ministry of Finance’s matching grant.
The BSBCC currently houses 44 sun bears living in an environment that emulates their natural habitat.
9,063 students reached within 132 schools
174,082 visitors
since BSBCC’s reopening to public
44 sun bears rescued
BSBCC was able to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
with support from YSD
Launched a new wheelchair-friendly bridge and pathway to improve accessibility
with support from the Ministry of Finance
Outreach programmes educate members of the public on conservation efforts to protect the Bornean sun bear.
BSBCC’s education outreach activities aim to raise awareness and support from the public through adoption programmes and donations.
