Baby Bear III

Baby Bear III

Posted by James Whiteman on 12th Apr 2013

It's not just orangutans at The Great Orangutan Project! The facilitators at the Matang Wildlife Centre also have a passion for sun bears, a species just as vulnerable and susceptible to habitat loss. This week's guest blog is from Tasha Beckerson about the care required to rehabilitate an orphaned cub -

"Last month the sun bear affectionately known as Baby Bear III moved house from the quarantine area at Matang Wildlife Centre to the night dens of one of the existing bear enclosures. Though the experience of being neighbours with some full sized sun bears was certainly stressful for her – as an 8 month old cub she should still be in the company of her mother – we quickly found that honey can remedy all stresses in a sun bear's life. They are called 'honey bears' with good reason!

It is often assumed that increasing the enclosure size of a captive animal will be an incredibly positive experience for that animal, and common sense would suggest that if a larger space is available for an animal, it should be moved into it immediately. However, for animals that have known a life of captivity, experiences outside of the regular routine can be very daunting, and transitions into larger areas can be incredibly stressful. Like humans, animals take a lot of comfort from familiarity, of both their surroundings and the daily routine of captive life. Upsetting that routine, if done with care and consideration, can be an enriching event – however, it is often highly stressful.

For young orphans of any species that end up in rescue and rehabilitation centres, they have already experienced an inordinate amount of stress to be in the position that they are. With this in mind, we plan to give Baby Bear III a good few weeks with the run of the night dens of this area before giving her a trial outing in the outdoor enclosure. At the moment we feel it would be a confusing and miserable event for her – to be left in an unfamiliar, large, outdoor space on her own would certainly not be fun –and we are able to provide lots of enrichment and adequate space for her in the caged space. She can also run around and get used to the older bears' smells, and they can get used to hers."

If you would like to volunteer with orangutans and sun bears with Tasha at Matang Wildlife Centre than please find out more here.


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Blog Arcticles


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...

10 More Orangutans Released Back Into The Wild From Nyaru Menteng!

10 More Orangutans Released Back Into The Wild From Nyaru Menteng!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

The Great Projects volunteer coordinators, Matt and Niamh,...

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

The Great Projects' volunteer coordinators Matt and Niamh...

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

As the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project begins once again...

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge volunteered at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary in...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987