OUR POWER, OUR PLANET
Every April 22, millions of people across the world take a moment to realise something simple yet profound: the Earth is our shared home.
At the Sun Bear Sanctuary in Samboja Lestari, every bear has its own story. To date, the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, through Samboja Lestari, cares for around 75 sun bears, each with a unique life journey. Some of them are still young and actively exploring their enclosures, while others have entered a quieter phase of life: old age.
In conservation work, the life stages of sun bears are categorized based on age. These stages range from infant (0–1 year), juvenile (around 2 years), subadult (3–6 years), to adult, which includes several reproductive stages. The final stage is the geriatric phase, when bears reach more than 30 years of age. At this stage, metabolism slows down, energy levels decrease, and signs of aging begin to appear.
Not all sun bears are fortunate enough to reach this stage. However, at Samboja Lestari, about 15 sun bears have entered the geriatric phase, including Anggi, Kiki, Apang, Icak, Gede, Petung, Banjar, Feri, Paul, Dani, Bunga, Bento, Bali, Gendut, and Jeni. For them, old age does not mean the end of care and attention. In fact, this is when the medical team and technicians provide even more intensive and patient care.
Sun bears that have reached old age require special attention in their daily care. At the Samboja Lestari Sun Bear Sanctuary, they receive additional nutrition such as special dog food and multivitamins to help maintain their physical condition.
Despite their age, they are still encouraged to stay active. Technicians ensure that these elderly bears regularly leave their sleeping enclosures to spend time in the sanctuary areas, where they can enjoy a natural environment that helps support both their physical and mental wellbeing.
In addition, several medical training routines are conducted regularly, including mouth-opening training and nail trimming. Mouth-opening training allows the veterinary team to check the condition of their teeth and oral cavity, while nail trimming is necessary because older bears tend to use their claws less frequently for digging or scratching wood compared to when they were younger.
Among the elderly residents of the sanctuary, Bali is one of the most remarkable. Today, Bali has reached the age of around 45 years, which is considered very old for a sun bear.
Bali’s journey has not always been easy. In 2023, he experienced a serious condition when his two hind legs became paralyzed. At that time, Bali was unable to move his back legs and had to drag the rear part of his body whenever he tried to walk.
Seeing his condition, the medical team immediately began intensive treatment. For a period of time, Bali was not allowed to enter the sanctuary enclosure so that he could focus on recovery. He received medication twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, while the technicians patiently cared for him every day.
Watching Bali struggle to move using only his front legs was deeply moving for the team who cared for him. Yet despite his limitations at that time, Bali showed something extraordinary is the determination to keep going.
Bali’s determination, combined with the consistent care from the team, eventually began to show results. By 2024, his condition gradually improved. He started to stand and walk again using all four legs, although his steps were still slightly unsteady.
Seeing this progress, our medical and technical teams continued to monitor him closely. When the weather is good and his physical condition is strong enough, Bali is once again allowed to enter the sanctuary enclosure so he can slowly resume his activities. Every small step Bali takes is a meaningful sign of progress.
Bali’s story reminds us that even at a very advanced age, the will to live can remain strong. With proper care, patient attention, and a supportive environment, elderly sun bears can still enjoy a life of dignity and wellbeing.
At the Samboja Lestari Sun Bear Sanctuary, both young bears and those in their later years are given the same opportunity: to live safely and with proper care. And for Bali, every step he now takes in his twilight years is proof that hope always exists, even for those who have travelled a long and challenging journey.
Every April 22, millions of people across the world take a moment to realise something simple yet profound: the Earth is our shared home.
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