The Sun Bears’ specially-designed exhibit has all the features that a bear could hope for. Thanks to the generosity of the Perth community, Project Sun Bear raised over $330,000 which went towards the construction of the new exhibit and the relocation of the bears from the Free The Bears Sanctuary in Cambodia.

The exhibit has many features that will ensure the continued good health of these animals and hopefully lead to a successful breeding program. There are two separate areas which allow for the male and female bears to remain apart until the breeding season. There is also a maternity den at the back of the exhibit that will maximise breeding potential and give these secretive bears the privacy they need for raising cubs.

Visitors are able to see the bears in their jungle-like habitats from the thatched hut viewing bay and may also be given the treat of observing keepers training the bears. This interaction between the keeper and the bears improves the animals’ well-being by providing mental stimulation to the inquisitive bears.  The training also allows keepers to perform medical checks and simple veterinary procedures without stressing out the animals.

The lushly vegetated exhibit has been made to represent the tropical rainforest that is the bears’ natural habitat. Large trees allow these most arboreal of bear species to climb and nest as they would in the wild. There is also a stream with rock pools for the bears to play in.

The exhibit has its own life-sized model Sun Bear that sits atop a ruined temple donation box. All contributions go directly to Free The Bears Fund so they can continue their work of saving Sun Bears. It is also a great spot for people to take photos.

The exhibit is located in the Zoo’s Asian Rainforest zone.

Read the Sun Bear Fact Sheet.

What was Project Sun Bear all about?

Project Sun Bear began in 2003 and was a major fundraising opportunity to bring two rescued Cambodian Sun Bears to Perth Zoo and build them a new, specially-designed exhibit.

Thanks to the support of the community, sponsors and various organisations, Perth Zoo is able to provide Jamran and Bopha (our rescued male and female bears respectively) with a new home and contribute to the regional breeding program for this threatened species.

Jamran and Bopha arrived on 23 January 2007 and settled into their new home at Perth Zoo before being introduced to the public on 6 February.

Bopha and Jamran were taken illegally from the wild as cubs and suffered at the hands of their captors. The bears were rescued by Free the Bears Fund Inc in Cambodia and were provided with a home and specialist care until their arrival at Perth Zoo.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Project Sun Bear over the years. Together we have made a difference.

 Thank you Perth! (.wmv 2mb)