Sabah Wildlife Department Unveils Newly Upgraded Sun Bear Exhibit at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
- nabalunews
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
27 April 2025
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department, led by its Director, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, today officially inaugurated the newly upgraded Sun Bear Exhibit at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park (LKWP).
The enhanced enclosure, designed to accommodate more sun bears within a spacious, naturalistic environment for public viewing, aims to bolster conservation efforts, educate visitors, and raise awareness about the threats faced by this vulnerable species, particularly those linked to wildlife crime.
Coinciding perfectly with Malaysia’s preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 — when the Sun Bear has been chosen as the official mascot — the launch is expected to boost both domestic and international tourism. It represents a significant step forward in promoting conservation initiatives and improving animal welfare standards.
The upgraded exhibit is the result of a successful collaboration between the Sabah Wildlife Department, Wild Welfare (WW), and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC).
It features newly added enrichment structures and furniture designed to encourage natural behaviours, creating a more stimulating and welfare-oriented environment for the bears living at LKWP.
“Sun bears are the smallest species of bear in the world, yet they are among the most threatened, often falling victim to illegal wildlife trade,” said Dr. Wong Siew Te, Founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
“This new exhibit not only provides a better living environment for the bears but also helps raise public awareness of the urgent need for their conservation.”
Simon Marsh, Operations Manager at Wild Welfare, added, “It is inspiring to see Lok Kawi Wildlife Park taking important steps to improve animal welfare. Allowing sun bears to exhibit their natural behaviours in captivity is vital for their mental and physical well-being. Wild Welfare will continue to support LKWP by providing training and technical advice to facilitate further improvements at the park.”
Currently, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park houses seven sun bears, three males and four females, most of whom were rescued from illegal ownership or voluntarily surrendered to the Sabah Wildlife Department.
Since 2015, LKWP has successfully rehabilitated and released 13 sun bears back into the wild, underscoring its vital role as a rescue and rehabilitation centre.
The upgrading project, which commenced in January 2025 and was completed on 24 April 2025, cost RM230,000.00. The improvements have created a more naturalistic, engaging environment for the bears, while offering visitors a closer and more meaningful experience with one of Malaysia’s most iconic wildlife species.
Members of the public are invited to visit the newly upgraded Sun Bear Exhibit. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Come and experience the charm of Malaysia’s beloved sun bears — the smallest bears in the world — and support their conservation journey.
