By Ng Wai Pak

The shortage of bear cages at BSBCC was a problem since last years after few more new bears were confiscated by the Sabah Wildlife Department. As the result, we have three sub-adult female bears (Anne, Jelita and Lawa) being put into a cage and share their sleeping baskets and living space. Although a bit crowded, they sure enjoy the companionship of each other.  

While waiting for the state of the art bear houses to be built at the end of the year, more bears were sending to the centre. We have no option and no more space but to put three other bears in temporary cages were quite small. These bears were all cubs and yearling such as Suria, Susie, and the latest one, Kuamut.

We have been work hard to seek extra fund to add additional cages to the existing bear house. At last, the problem of fund was sort out and the construction of three cages with a roof was started to build on the 25^th February 2009. The cages were built next to the Bemuda and Keningau’s exercise enclosure. The whole construction took 21 days to finish.

These three cages and the roof are cost RM10,000. The additional iron bars, feeding tray holders, sleeping baskets and the sliding doors cost another RM2,200. Finally, Suria, Susie, and Kuamut will move into their new home in few more days after the final inspection at the end of the week. I will update the story of these bears in their new temporary home by next week.  

 The 1st day 25/2/2009: Building materials were arrived at the bear centre. (140 iron bars and others iron frame and pipes).

 The 3^rd day 27/3/2009: Main frame work was done.

The 14^th day 10/3/2009: Roof and the doors were installed. Iron bars also nearly finished welded. The outlooks of the cages were shown.

 The 21^st day 17/3/2009: Each cage has a sleeping basket.

The 21^st day 17/3/2009: Construction was done and ready to let Suria, Susie and Kuamut to move in soon!