The Malayan sun bears at Melaka Zoo in Malaysia are confirmed to be genuine animals and have even given birth to two cubs, according to Datuk Rais Yasin, the chairman of the state housing and local government, climate change and disaster management committee.
There are currently four sun bears at the menagerie, but it is unclear whether they have ever stood up on their hind feet or waved at visitors.
This statement comes in response to a recent trending topic about a sun bear named Angela from Hangzhou Zoo in China, which appeared to look like a human in a costume. Hangzhou Zoo addressed the allegations by clarifying that the bear was indeed a real animal, and not a human.
The video of the bear drew attention due to its slender legs and fur folds, which made it resemble a person dressed in a bear costume.
Rais confirmed that the sun bears at Melaka Zoo have given birth twice, and he personally witnessed them during his visit to the zoo. The Malayan sun bear, also known as Helarctos malayanus, gets its name from the bright golden patch on its chest. It is the smallest member of the bear family and can be found in the dense lowland forests of Southeast Asia.
Rais recently launched World Tiger Day at the zoo alongside Datin Sapiah Haron, the president of Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ), and Petra Sulai, the director of Melaka Wildlife and National Park (Perhilitan).
Rais emphasized the state’s commitment to conserving and preserving the Malayan tiger. Only four of these animals are currently available at Melaka Zoo. He mentioned that the tiger population in the country has sharply declined to less than 150 animals in the wild, and urgent measures are needed to help the species thrive.
He stated, “These tigers would go into extinction if there were no exceptional conservation efforts and commitment to conserve the species. We must not forget that the Malayan tiger is a symbol of our nation’s coat of arms, and we can’t let it go extinct.”
Rais has also requested Perhilitan to consider Melaka Zoo as a conservation and rehabilitation center for Malayan tigers. He pointed out that the zoo previously had a captive-breeding program for the tigers when it was under Perhilitan’s management.
He added that plans are underway to establish a safari at Melaka Zoo, which will include a 220ha site and incorporate the nearby Ayer Keroh Aviary Park. Rais is pushing for the project to begin early next year, in line with the Visit Melaka Year 2024.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
