Choki, Bakar and Nur – April 2024
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 let the 2 cubs Choki and Bakar 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. Choki and Bakar were later joined by Nur, a female cub who arrived at Samboja in December 2023. All 3 cubs seem happy together and spend most of their time in the trees.
Fleur in her new enclosure – April 2024
In April 2024, we finished renovating another forest enclosure for one individual 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 had to be completely dismantled and rebuilt in order to make it safe for all bears. In the process, the den and its roof were also dismantled and rebuilt. An older female sun bear called Fleur was moved in this new enclosure on 17 April 2024. Fleur is one of those bears who does not like the company of other bears but she seems to like her fairly spacious new home.
Boua on the left, ECC – Jan 2024
This year Sun Bear Outreach also managed to raise 90.000 USD in order to save an elephant in Laos! Her name is Mae Boua Ngeun and on this date of May 3rd, 2024, the funds have been transferred and the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) is completing the paperwork for her official purchase. This means that Mae Boua Ngeun will be able to stay at ECC where she grew up and will not end up in a tourist camp, exploited and abused.
For the rest of 2024, we will continue making improvements on the infrastructures at BOS Samboja Lestari and OFI to improve the welfare of the sun bears. Our first project is to renovate and rebuild 3 old dens at Samboja which are much too small and unpractical.
Thank you for your support, your empathy and your trust.