Edinburgh Zoo Sun Bears

glasgowanimal

glasgowanimal

Well-Known Member
If anyone is interested in the Sun Bears I would highly recommend the following site:

Bear Projects - Cambodia

This is the only Cambodian sun bear project online I can find that might be related to the bears arriving at Edinburgh Zoo

There is reference to the organisation (backed by Perth Zoo) working with the IUCN Sun bear expert team
 
Here is a little more information about the brothers Somnang and Rotana, that are due to arrive soon from Phnom Tamao rescue centre in Cambodia, there is also a bit of info info about their enclosure, including a heated indoor pool.

Somnang and Rotana are approximately six years old and were rescued in 2004 by Free the Bears from a private owner, where they were kept in small cages.

The brothers would have originally been purchased from an illegal wildlife trader, who would have captured them in the forest and shot their mother.

The boys are great friends and spend most of their time snoozing together and foraging for fruit and nuts.

Rotana, a popular modern Cambodian name, gets very excited, searching high and low to sniff out hidden goodies.

Somnang, meaning Lucky, takes things more slowly, usually meandering after Rotana who has put in the ground work.

They love nothing more than rolling around on their backs, licking honey and wrestling together in their swimming pool. Unfortunately they can’t be returned to the wild safely so they will have a new home in Scotland.
The enclosure

SomnangThe new sun bear home will be situated at the old polar bear site, where several enclosures have been combined into a new purpose-built exhibit almost three times its original size.

The refurbishment has cost £150,000 and is designed to meet the sun bears' needs and simulate their natural habitat.

The enclosure includes an indoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor climbing structures, a waterfall and several enrichment devices. These aim to keep the bears stimulated and include a unique fruit shaker tree, food holes around the enclosure, a honey drip and clear honey boxes allowing visitors to see the bears use their long tongue as they reach in for a treat.

The RZSS gardens team have created a planting scheme to represent the tropical forest environment, with trees, shrubs and herbs that enrich the animals’ life as well as the visitor experience. Visitors will also enjoy two new covered viewing areas where they can witness Somnang and Rotana’s antics and learn more about these wonderful creatures.

Sun Bears Appeal
 
Thanks for this interesting information. I'm actually surprised that sun bears aren't more common in UK collections.

Does anyone have some up to date pictures of the exhibit construction, perhaps some Edinburgh regulars? I'd love to see how it's coming along.
 
I noted that RZSS claim they will be the only sun bear in Great Britain, which it is incorrect. Rare Species Conservation Centre have a pair of Sun Bears! :rolleyes:
 
I was there yesterday but unfortunately never took any photos!!

the building work is near completion if not completed! The gardens team were in the enclosure and planting the surrounding areas at the top end of the enclosure.

The new interpretation was also being put up (looks very good!!) and the low fence at the front of the enclosure being painted.

All signs point to the enclosure being nearly ready!!!
 
Sounds great. What kind of barriers are in place? Also, one more question and I'm sorry if this has been addressed elsewhere, when are the bears due to move in?
 
Last edited:
I managed to get a glimpse of the North end viewing area for the SunBear habitat last month.

Have included the picture here.


Cant really get a good image of the habitat as the fencing is pushed back towards The Magic Forest and right to the pathway that leads upto Rainbow Landings now.
 

Attachments

  • 4627132691_e1ff7a378c.jpg
    4627132691_e1ff7a378c.jpg
    199.2 KB · Views: 32
Last edited:
Have posted pictures of the new Sun Bear exhibit. The water moat was empty, but apart from that it looked as though the exhibit is ready for the Bears.
 
Gentle Giant said:
I noted that RZSS claim they will be the only sun bear in Great Britain, which it is incorrect. Rare Species Conservation Centre have a pair of Sun Bears! :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

This is a little confusing as it was RSCC that helped Edinburgh source their bears (from the same source that RSCC acquired theirs). They will certainly be the only ones in Scotland, one of two pairs in Great Britain and one of three in the United Kingdom.
 
Journey's end!

Fantastic news! The zoo have just confirmed via the boys Facebook page that they arrived safe and well last night! :D They are currently off show but hope's are high that they will be allowed outside next week
 
Have posted pictures of the Sun Bears exploring their outdoor exhibit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top