Sun bears in Borneo face habitat loss from palm oil expansion and logging, combined with poaching for bile and the pet trade. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sabah provides rescue and rehabilitation.
Pet sun bears kept in cages experience severe psychological disturbance from confinement, inappropriate diet, and social isolation. Many rescued individuals require years of rehabilitation before they can express normal foraging behaviour. Bears that cannot be released due to permanent behavioural or physical damage remain as permanent sanctuary residents. Habitat protection that prevents the need for rescue is far preferable to rehabilitation from a welfare perspective.