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New Post has been published on http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/04/17/headline-grabbing-sun-bears-condition-improving-says-sfc/

Headline grabbing sun bear's condition improving, says SFC

KUCHING, April 17, 2015:

The sick sun bear that captured public attention after its sighting was caught on video and went viral earlier this year, is currently improving.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), in a statement, said as of today, the animal is alert, able to climb and eat normally as compared to its condition when it was first brought to the Matang Wildlife Centre here.

“Despite her improvement, the sun bear is still weak and suffering from hook worms, mite infestation and moderate anaemia.

“As she has been sick for a prolonged period of time, it is also too early to make any determination on whether she can make full recovery after this,” said Dr Silje Robertsen, a volunteer veterinarian from Norway.

The furless sunbear bear was first spotted by Indonesian oil palm plantation workers four months ago. It was in a poor state and they could not identify the animal, leading some to call it a “mysterious creature”.

As the video of the sightings went viral, SFC officials launched a hunt for the animal, only to find it earlier this month in Meradong.

SFC said due to the bear’s condition, it will remain in quarantine to minimise external disturbance, and its treatment of carbohydrate rich diet with food supplements, antibiotics and protein will remain.