Zoo Animal Welfare

Zoo Sun Bear Foraging Enrichment

Sun bears are small Asian bears with highly specialised tongue-based foraging for insects and honey requiring specific enrichment.

Key Facts

Sun bears have the longest tongues relative to body size of any bear species
Natural diet centres on insects, honey, fruit and small vertebrates
Enrichment with honey logs, insect-embedded substrates and puzzle feeders engages foraging behaviour
Sun bears are critically threatened by habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade
Small bear size means enclosure space requirements differ from large bear species

Welfare Considerations

Sun bear welfare depends on species-appropriate foraging enrichment that engages their specialised insect and honey-seeking behaviour. Generic bear enrichment may not adequately meet their specific needs. Species-tailored enrichment is essential.

What You Can Do

Support zoos providing species-specific sun bear enrichment including honey-based feeding stations
Advocate for sun bear welfare standards that recognise their unique foraging specialisations
Donate to sun bear in-situ conservation and wildlife rescue programmes