Sun Bear Appeal

In Need of a Brighter Future

Sun Bears are one of the world’s rarest bears. They are also the world’s smallest bear and the only truly tropical bear, inhabiting dense rainforests across Southeast Asia.

Sun Bear populations are suffering from extreme habitat loss due to deforestation, logging and conversion of habitat into palm oil plantations. Additional threats from illegal trade and wildlife trafficking have seen the situation has become so dire that the Sun Bear is now classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

$25
Will help fund vital International Breeding Programs to ensure Sun Bears remain part of our future
Your on-going support is extremely helpful for our conservation, breeding & research programs.
$50
Could help fund Wildlife Protection Units in Sumatra to stop poachers and illegal loggers
Your on-going support is extremely helpful for our conservation, breeding & research programs.
$75
Could assist with critical research, rescues and care of Sun Bears through our partners like Free The Bears
Your on-going support is extremely helpful for our conservation, breeding & research programs.
$100
Contributes towards maintaining the Wildlife Witness App and Taronga's work with TRAFFIC to combat the illegal wildlife trade
Your on-going support is extremely helpful for our conservation, breeding & research programs.
Other
Your on-going support is extremely helpful for our conservation, breeding & research programs.

Why are numbers declining?

Sun Bear habitat has declined by more than 30% over the past 30 years. Lack of habitat has left surviving bears with nowhere to go, except for dangerously close to humans as they desperately search for food and water.

More often than not, this ends tragically.

Bears face further threats due to high demand as exotic pets, with others used for their bile or body parts. A Sun Bear can earn a poacher up to $5,000 and bear products and meat are served openly at restaurants throughout Asia and available through black markets around the world.

An estimated 14,000 bears are caged in bile farms across Asia, with wild bears more favoured over captive, due to higher bile acid potency.Sun Bear

A Legacy

In 2016, Taronga launched its legacy for the future, dedicating the next decade to the conservation of ten critical species, known as our Legacy Species – including the Sun Bear. Our commitment to the Sun Bear involves a 360° approach to conservation including working closely with our international conservation partners in Asia.

Taronga needs your support to continue to address the serious threats to the survival of the Sun Bear.