The Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Center recently received another sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) in heartbreaking condition. The female sun bear arrived weak and exhausted after being evacuated by the BKSDA Section Region II Tenggarong team.
According to the BKSDA team, the initial report was received on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 10:04 PM (WITA) from the Muara Kaman Police Sector through a local resident named Mr. Pandi. The report stated that a sun bear was suspected to have been caught in a snare trap in Lebahulak Village, Muara Kaman Subdistrict, Kutai Kartanegara Regency.
Following the report, officers from the KSDA Section Region II immediately went to the location and carried out the rescue process at 12:13 AM on March 27, 2026. When found, the adult female sun bear was in very weak condition and could barely move.
Initial examinations revealed abrasions on her left shoulder, dried wounds on her left front leg suspected to be caused by a snare, and a dislocation in three toes on her right front foot. In addition, the bear was extremely thin, weak, and had difficulty moving. Her canine teeth also appeared blunt, as if they had been cut.
As initial treatment, the BKSDA team provided honey and sugar water to help restore her energy before further examination by a local veterinarian.
After the veterinarian arrived and conducted further examination at the KSDA Section II office, the bear immediately received fluid therapy through an IV to treat dehydration and her weakened condition. Based on the veterinarian’s examination, the bear had passed the initial critical phase but still required intensive care for further recovery.
Once her condition was considered stable enough for transport, BKSDA SKW II Tenggarong decided to transfer the sun bear to Samboja Lestari so she could receive more comprehensive medical and animal welfare care.
Upon arrival at Samboja Lestari, the medical team immediately conducted a thorough examination to better understand her overall health condition.
Weighing results showed that the bear only weighed around 23 kilograms, far below the normal weight of an adult sun bear. This indicated that the bear had likely struggled to find food or move properly in the wild for quite some time.
Further examination using X-ray revealed the presence of metal objects and fragments in her left arm, suspected to be pellets from an air rifle. This finding indicated that the bear was likely not only a victim of a snare trap but had also been shot.
Medical observations also showed that the bear was already elderly, estimated to be over 30 years old. This was indicated by cataracts beginning to form in her eyes, many missing teeth, and fur that had started to turn gray in several parts of her body.
Considering her old age and weak physical condition, her recovery process is expected to take quite a long time.
Currently, the female sun bear continues to receive intensive care from the medical and animal welfare teams at Samboja Lestari. Her treatment includes fluid therapy, wound treatment, monitoring of bone and joint conditions, and additional nutrition to increase her body weight and strength.
Gradually, her condition has begun to show positive progress, although she is still not able to move actively like other bears. The team continues to monitor her development every day and ensures she receives the best possible care in her old age.
The story of this elderly sun bear is a reminder that behind every rescued animal, there is always a long journey, wounds, and a struggle to survive. Now, at Samboja Lestari, this elderly sun bear has been given a second chance to rest, recover, and spend the rest of her life in safety and proper care.
Text by: Samboja Lestari Communications Team, East Kalimantan
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