Today we would like to introduce you to some of the permanent furry residents of our Cambodia Bear Rescue Project. The rescued bears each have their own unique personality, temperament and stories. You can get to know them personally if you volunteer at the project! Over 130 bears have been rescued by the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary since its humble beginnings. Many of the bears have come to the shelter through tragic circumstances.
Introducing Sandie
Sandie, who is a female moon bear that was brought to the rescue centre in 2004. She was found trapped in a hunting snare. Her front left paw was so badly damaged that it had to be amputated once she arrived at the centre. Without the sanctuary’s help Sandie would have died, but 10 years later she is enjoying life and her amputation certainly is not holding her back! She spends her days looking for food, exploring the rocky outcrops in her enclosure, playing with enrichment toys and lazing in a hammock.
Meet Mokiup
Mokiup is an adult male sun bear who also arrived at the sanctuary in a terrible state after. He was being kept as an exotic pet in very poor conditions and it was feared that he would not survive. His owners had put an enormous chain around his neck and starved him from a very young age. While his growth was permanently stunted as a result, Mokiup has recovered well and lives a happy life at the sanctuary.
Meet Sandy
Sandie (adult female moon bear) arrived at the rescue centre in July 2004 when she was approximately 2 years old. She came from Kirirom National Park and was rescued from a snare. Unfortunately her front left paw was very damaged from the snare and had to be amputated once she arrived at the centre. Sandie’s amputation doesn’t hold her back from doing bear like activities; such as looking for food, exploring the rocky outcrops in her enclosure, playing with enrichment toys or lazing in a hammock.
Sandie’s favourite place to sleep is on one of the many hammocks in her enclosures under the shade of the climbing platforms.
Meet Shoelace
Shoelace (male moon bear) has been in care of the sanctuary since March 2007. He was confiscated from a hunter in Battambang Province, Cambodia. Shoelace is a mischievous bear with a fun-loving personality and is no longer the ‘stringy’ looking little cub he was when he first arrived. Shoelace has grown into a strong and handsome bear with a relaxed approach to life. His excitement when awaiting treats highlights how the sanctuary has given him the chance to be a playful and energetic cub at heart; and enjoy a safe and long life that would otherwise not have been possible.
Meet Brandy
Brandy (Female Golden Coloured Moon Bear) was found clinging to a tree in a large forested area due to be converted to a palm oil plantation. She was kept as a pet, but grew too big to handle and was donated to the sanctuary in 1999. Brandy is an especially gentle Moon bear. Golden Moon bears are an extremely rare genetic colour of the Moon bear. She continues to surprise and delight our volunteers when emerging from the trees in a burst of golden yellow fur.
Meet Dewi
Dewi was rescued in 2000 as a tiny cub after being poached from the wild in Cambodia. She has been with the sanctuary from its humble beginnings to the world-class wildlife rescue facility it is today. Dewi is quite shy and loves to hide in the undergrowth in her natural forest enclosure; coming out when there are treats around. While volunteers always enjoying spotting this beautiful bear, they also love that bears like Dewi are free to hide or explore as they please.
Volunteering with the bears
Volunteers are essential to support the ongoing care of all the bears at the sanctuary; and without volunteers’ help the sanctuary wouldn’t be able to rescue and save as many maltreated and injured bears!
To find out more about volunteering with these amazing bears; visit the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary project page.