First rehabilitated sun bear returns to the wild in Sabah

Wong Siew Te gently lifting a sedated Natalie in preparation for her health check and transportation. — Pictures courtesy of Sabah Wildlife Department and Borneon Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Natalie was transported to her new home in a Lahad Datu forest reserve by a helicopter provided by Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd. 

The field crew carried Natalie to the release spot.

Natalie's first moments of freedom in the wild.

KOTA KINABALU, May 25 — Natalie, the sun bear in Sabah who was rescued after poachers killed her mother, became the first to be released into the wild after she returned to the reserve forests of Lahad Datu last week.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) founder Wong Siew Te said Natalie, who arrived at the centre in December 2010 aged three months, has come of age in the four and a half years under their care and that the rare sun bear is now ready to fend for herself.

“Releasing her was a moment of bittersweet joy,” Wong told Malay Mail Online today.

“I cared for her like a daughter. I had brought her for walks in the forest, fed her, taught her what food to identify and played with her. It was sad to let her go but I know she belongs in the forest,” he added. Read More

Source: themalaymailonline.com