A SUN BEAR’S GOLDEN YEARS
At the Sun Bear Sanctuary in Samboja Lestari, every bear has its own story. To date, the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, through Samboja Lestari, cares for around 75 sun bears, each with a unique life journey. Some are still young and actively exploring their enclosures, while others have entered a quieter phase of life: old age.
The Different Life Stages of Sun Bears
In conservation work, sun bear life stages are categorised by age. These stages range from infant (0–1 year), juvenile (around 2 years), subadult (3–6 years), to adult, which includes several reproductive stages. The final stage is the geriatric phase, when bears are more than 30 years old. At this stage, metabolism slows, energy levels decrease, and signs of ageing begin to appear.
Not all sun bears are fortunate enough to reach this stage. However, at Samboja Lestari, about 15 sun bears have entered the geriatric phase, including Anggi, Kiki, Apang, Icak, Gede, Petung, Banjar, Feri, Paul, Dani, Bunga, Bento, Bali, Gendut, and Jeni. For them, old age does not mean the end of care and attention. In fact, this is when the medical team and technicians provide even more intensive care.
Special Care for Elderly Sun Bears
Old sun bears require special attention in their daily care. At the Samboja Lestari Sun Bear Sanctuary, they receive additional nutrition such as special dog food and multivitamins to help maintain their physical condition.
Despite their age, they are still encouraged to stay active. Technicians ensure that these elderly bears regularly leave their sleeping enclosures to spend time in the sanctuary areas, where they can enjoy a natural environment that supports both their physical and mental well-being.
In addition, several medical training routines are conducted regularly, including mouth-opening training and nail trimming. Mouth-opening training allows the veterinary team to assess the condition of the bears’ teeth and oral cavity. At the same time, nail trimming is necessary because older bears tend to use their claws less frequently for digging or scratching wood than when they were younger.
With proper care, elderly sun bears like Bali can still enjoy a dignified and healthy life.
Bali, the Resilient Sun Bear
Among the sanctuary’s elderly residents, Bali is one of the most remarkable. Today, Bali is about 45 years old, which is considered very old for a sun bear.
Bali’s journey has not always been easy. In 2023, he developed a serious condition that left his two hind legs paralysed. At that time, Bali was unable to move his back legs and had to drag his rear end whenever he tried to walk.
Given his condition, the medical team immediately began intensive treatment. For a period, Bali was not allowed to enter the sanctuary enclosure to focus on his recovery. He received medication twice daily, in the morning and afternoon, while the technicians cared for him patiently every day.
Watching Bali struggle to move using only his front legs was deeply moving for the team who cared for him. Yet despite his limitations at the time, Bali showed something extraordinary in the determination to keep going.
Slowly Rising Again
Bali’s determination, combined with the team’s consistent care, eventually began to show results. By 2024, his condition had gradually improved. He started to stand and walk again on all four legs, though his steps were still slightly unsteady.
Seeing this progress, our medical and technical teams continued to monitor him closely. When the weather is good and his physical condition is strong enough, Bali is once again allowed to enter the sanctuary enclosure to resume his activities slowly. Every small step Bali takes is a meaningful sign of progress.
Hope in His Golden Years
Bali’s story reminds us that even at an advanced age, the will to live can remain strong. With proper care, patient attention, and a supportive environment, elderly sun bears can still enjoy a dignified and healthy life.
At the Samboja Lestari Sun Bear Sanctuary, we give both young bears and those in their later years the same opportunity: to live safely and receive the best care. And for Bali, every step he now takes in his twilight years proves that hope always exists, even for those who have travelled a long and challenging journey.
