Sun bears are a forgotten species. “Many people are not aware that this bear exists,” Wong Siew Te says. Affectionately known as ‘Papa Bear’, the wildlife biologist specialises in the conservation of the world’s smallest bears who reside in the Bornean rainforest. “As the least researched bear in the world, they are at risk,” he says. Wong is dedicated to ensuring they’re given the same recognition as other high-profile conservation species, while liberating them from danger.
Sun bears are at risk due to habitat loss from logging, the illegal pet trade, poaching, and increasing urban development which results in bears being killed in road accidents. This combination of factors has led the sun bear population to decrease by 30% in the last three decades. In 2007, the IUCN classified the species as vulnerable.
A year later, Wong founded the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. He rescues sun bears from zoos, farms, and recreational areas where the animals are used for entertainment. Under his wing, and with the assistance of the Sabah Wildlife Department and donations, 45 Bornean sun bears in his care are now safe. They live in spacious forest enclosures where they are taught the necessary skills to survive before being rehabilitated back into their natural habitat.
Despite doing what’s necessary for them, Wong dreams of a future where sun bears can be completely free. “I want bears to live in the wild and not in captivity,” he says. “As long as I’m helping the animals and contributing, then my life will not be wasted.”
Footage by Chiew Lin May, Seng Yen Wah, Tee Thye Lim, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre were used in the creation of this film.
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