KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department, led by its Director Mr Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, today officially launched the newly upgraded Sun Bear Exhibit at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park (LKWP).
The enhanced exhibit, designed to accommodate more sun bears in a spacious day stall area for public viewing, aims to strengthen conservation efforts, educate the public, and raise awareness about the threats faced by this vulnerable species, particularly those related to wildlife crime.
Timed perfectly with Malaysia’s preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 — where the Sun Bear has been chosen as the official mascot — the launch is expected to boost local and international tourism. It marks a major step forward in promoting conservation and improving animal welfare.
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 stimulate the sun bears’ natural behaviours, creating a more dynamic and welfare-focused environment for the bears living in captivity at LKWP.
“Sun bears are the smallest species of bear in the world, and 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 exhibit not only provides a better living environment for the bears but also helps the public understand 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 express their natural behaviours in captivity is crucial for their mental and physical well-being.
Wild Welfare will continue to support LKWP by providing training and technical advice to assist 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, reinforcing its critical role as a rescue and rehabilitation centre.
The upgrading project, which began in January 2025 and concluded on 24 April 2025, was completed at a cost of RM230,000.00.
The improvements provide 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.
The public is warmly 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 witness the charm of Malaysia’s beloved sun bears — the smallest bears in the world — and be part of their conservation journey!
