LifespanUp to 25 years in the wild, and up to 30 years under human care
Quick Facts
DietInsects, honey, fruits, seeds, small vertebrates
HabitatDense tropical rainforests and swamps
RangeSoutheast Asia
Sun Bears
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An Insectivorous Diet
Our sun bears enjoy a diet of tomatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, turnips, pumpkin, silkworms, mealworms, and omnivore pellets. In their natural habitat, sun bears climb treetops in search of insects and sap.
Their strong jaw muscles, sharp canines, and curved claws help them crush tree bark to access burrowing insects or stingless bee nests, while their long tongues are perfect for extracting honey and insects from tiny crevices.
Receiving The Best Of Care
Our sun bears enjoy a range of food enrichment to keep them active and engaged. From climbing for cloth-wrapped silkworms to foraging for honey-drizzled coconuts stuffed with sugarcane, every treat encourages natural behaviour.
Honey water is occasionally sprayed around their habitat, but always diluted to protect their health. To prevent dental issues, the bears are trained for voluntary mouth checks, allowing our vets to carry out stress- free oral care.
Small But Feisty
Agile and quick, the sun bear is as formidable as it is resourceful. Despite being the smallest bear species, the sun bear is among the fiercest creatures in Southeast Asia’s forests.
Known to take on tigers and large pythons when threatened, it has a dense, dark-brown coat and loose skin that lets it twist and bite back during a struggle.
Together, We Protect Wildlife
Managed Species Programmes
We work with other zoos through Managed Species Programmes to help save threatened species.
This involves the transfer of animals between zoos for breeding so that genetically healthy animal populations can be maintained under human care.
Transfers are based on genetic compatibility, which prevents inbreeding and ensures their genetic integrity. Our sun bears are part of this effort.
The IUCN Status
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
Species Coordinators
Our staff coordinates the Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums (SEAZA) Species Management Programme for the species, which aims to ensure the survival of the species through coordinated breeding efforts among participating zoos.
However, the sun bear is notoriously difficult to breed under human care. Through hormone profile monitoring, the Veterinary Team aims to decipher the female’s estrous cycles and identify optimum timings to mix breeding pairs.
The IUCN Status
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
The Harsh Reality Of Bile Farming
Bile secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladders of bears has been used in traditional medicine in Asia for centuries.
Contrary to the original intent of bear bile farms, there has been no evidence demonstrating any positive impact of bear bile farming on wild bear populations.
Despite it being illegal in Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic (Laos PDR), the cruel farming bears for their bile continues to be practiced.
The IUCN Status
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
Free The Bears
Free The Bears (FTB) works to rescue, research and protect vulnerable bear species in Southeast Asia. For the rescued bears, suitable facilities and a life-long sanctuary are required.
We help fund and support the management of two world-class wildlife rescue facilities for rescued Sun and Asiatic Black Bears - Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre and Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary (LPWS).
The IUCN Status
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
A Second Lease Of Life
LPWS has cared for more than 30 other species of wildlife rescued from illegal trade including the critically endangered Sunda and Chinese pangolin, and comes fully equipped with facilities such as climbing towers, pools, caves, aerial walkways, and hammocks –designed to give their residents the best quality of life possible.
We are also proud to fund the continual building of veterinary and husbandry capacities, and continuous expansions and improvements to ensure that sufficient and suitable facilities are available for rescued bears and wildlife whenever required.
The IUCN Status
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
Hope For The Bears
Despite the many challenges, the overall number of bear bile farms and the number of bears held in bile farms have indicated positive signs of decline. There are estimated to be 100 bears held in farms in 2020.
We continue to stand behind Free the Bears in their goal to end the practice of bear bile farming in Laos PDR and provide life-long care facilities for rescued bears in a world-class sanctuary environment.
The IUCN Status
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity
Ranger Talk
Malayan Sun Bear Ranger Talk
Daily Watering Hole 12:15pm & 4:00pmAdmire the Malayan sun bears as they climb trees with ease, using their long claws and powerful limbs to forage for honey and fruits.
