Sun bears are the smallest bear species and face threats from deforestation, the illegal pet trade, and bear bile farming, with sanctuaries and zoos playing important roles in rescue, rehabilitation, and public education.
Sun bears on bile farms experience some of the most severe welfare conditions documented in captive animals: permanent confinement in cages too small to turn around, repeated invasive bile extraction procedures, and complete deprivation of natural behaviour. Rescued bears frequently carry lasting physical and psychological trauma, including stereotypic pacing, self-directed behaviours, and fearful responses to humans. Sanctuary rehabilitation using progressive exposure to natural forest environments, species-appropriate diet, and conspecific socialisation can achieve significant psychological recovery in some individuals. Zoo sun bears benefit from complex arboreal environments that support their natural climbing, foraging, and nesting behaviour; facilities without these features cause the same barren-environment welfare harms seen in other confined bear species.