Choki Feb 2024 at Samboja
We began 2024 by splitting in 2 an existing sun bear enclosure called Middle Yard in Samboja Lestari of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) in Indonesia. This allowed us to make room for 2 older bears who don’t need so much space and to allow the 2 older cubs Choki and Bakar to go in a large forest enclosure. Choki and Bakar arrived as young cubs in Samboja in 2023, and after spending more than 9 months in “forest school”, they were moved to a 0,7 ha forest enclosure in February this year.
Renovating enclosure for Fleur
As I write these words on 7 March 2024, we are in the process of renovating another forest enclosure for one sun bear at Samboja Lestari. This enclosure had been built for Giono who was old and unable to climb or dig, and who died a few months ago. The fence has to be completely dismantled and rebuilt in order to make it safe for all bears. In the process, the den and its roof are also being dismantled and rebuilt. The plan is to move a bear called Fleur in this “new” enclosure as soon as possible. Fleur is one of those bears who does not like the company of other bears.
Boua on the left, ECC – Jan 2024
Another project we have this year is to raise 80.000 USD in order to save an elephant in Laos! Her name is Mae Boua Ngeun and on this date of 7th March 2024, we have raised more than 50% of the amount. We are now completing the paperwork for the official sale of Mae Boua Ngeun to the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC). As soon as this is done, we hope to receive the funds from several pledgers, the totality of which should bring us very close to the amount needed to be able to complete the sale.
I pray things will work out for Mae Boua Ngeun, and I hope we will all soon be able to rejoice about the fact that together we managed to save a very special elephant from a life of servitude. Find out more on www.saveboua.com
Thank you for your support, your empathy and your trust.