Located a hundred meters away from the Long Sam Animal Rescue Center (PPS), the constant noise of generators and welding in the forest has significantly subsided. The challenging task is nearly 99 percent complete.
CAN Indonesia team embraced the challenge of transporting all the necessary materials for building the enclosure, including iron, cement, sand, and others. They have successfully constructed a well-built bear enclosure spanning 18 square meters, which will soon be operational.
One of the hurdles encountered during the project occurred when the Kelay River in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan Province, overflowed due to heavy rainfall. The rainy weather gives the PPS Long Sam a serene atmosphere, providing a tranquil environment away from the bustling city noise. However, it also caused a few days of delay in the team's work.
Nevertheless, these obstacles did not deter CAN Indonesia from their mission to care for wildlife, particularly bears, which face threats from habitat destruction and poaching due to economic activities. As soon as the water levels of the Kelay River began to recede, the team promptly resumed their work.
At present, the team is focused on equipping the enclosure with stairs, resting areas, bathing facilities, and more. This is important because the bears on the island of Kalimantan are Sun Bears, known for their nocturnal behavior. Therefore, the contents of the enclosure play a crucial role, and the team is diligently preparing them.
Sun Bears exhibit daily behavior that involves foraging on the ground and climbing trees in search of food. They are known for their shy and solitary nature, except for females and cubs. Unlike other bear species, they do not hibernate as their food source remains available throughout the year. In a day, these bears can cover a distance of up to 8 kilometers.
Sun Bears contribute to the decomposition and recycling processes of tropical rainforest areas through their habit of digging and breaking up the soil. Additionally, these small bears play a vital role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds from the fruits they consume.
Recognizing the significant role of Sun Bears in maintaining the natural ecosystem's sustainability on the island of Kalimantan, particularly in East Kalimantan Province, CAN Indonesia hopes that the construction of this enclosure will raise greater awareness and concern for the Sun Bear population among the public.