Adelaide Zoo Sun Bear passes away

[FriendOfTheZoo]

From the FB page:

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Manji, the Malayan Sun Bear. Manji lost her battle with liver cancer on Sunday 10 February. Manji touched so many lives since her arrival from Singapore Zoo in 2007 including the zookeepers who have cared for her over the years along with many regular Adelaide Zoo visitors. She connected with countless school children and participants on the Bears at Breakfast tour who were all fascinated by her quirky antics. Manji is survived by her dear friend Akbar, who will continue to act as an ambassador for his wild cousins connecting zoo visitors to the plight of Malayan Sun Bears and other issues facing many species inhabiting the jungles of South East Asia. RIP Manji.

 

[Chlidonias]

Sun bear alone after mate dies - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Adelaide Zoo said there was no urgency to consider replacing Malayan sun bear Manji, after her death from liver cancer.

The sun bear had been at the zoo since 2007, an important ambassador for the threatened species.

Zookeeper Mandy Smith said the male sun bear, Akbar, did not necessarily need company.

"They're a solitary species, so it's not as important say if it was a herd or a colony species, they'd be really lonely," she said.

"He's not devastated by being by himself."

Manji arrived in Adelaide from Singapore Zoo in 2007.

 

[PAT]

Were there ever any attempts to breed the sun bears? Manji must have been quite old when she arrived if she was only here for 6 years.