SANDAKAN: Integration is key to rehabilitating rescued bear cubs, helping them build social skills, confidence, and natural behaviours through play and companionship.
At the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sepilok recently, confident climber Manja met energetic Sandokan, a playful cub eager to interact. Their introduction began through a small gap in a sliding door. While Manja was cautious, Sandokan showed curiosity, pawing and mouthing in preparation for playfighting.
As they grew comfortable, the door opened wider. Soon they were chasing, wrestling, and gentle biting—Sandokan usually starting the fun. When Manja felt overwhelmed by Sandokan’s energy, she made soft vocalisations. Sandokan responded well, pausing and backing off briefly. But Manja often stayed close or chased after her, restarting the play.
Positive learning emerged: Manja learned to dig through logs from Sandokan, who excels at this. Sandokan is still developing climbing skills—an area where Manja is more confident. Through observation, Sandokan may pick this up too.
Both cubs now show increasing comfort, staying close, responding to each other, and moving easily between enclosures. After each session, they calmly return to solo activities—showing a healthy balance of play and self-regulation. The integration is progressing well, marking another meaningful step in their rehabilitation journey. – James Leong
The two rescued cubs interact for the first time at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok – (photo credit – BSBCC).
