Comments on: A Milestone for Sun Bear Bulan

by: Diana S.

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:32:49 +0000

How wonderful to know that Bulan is going out into the world to help the species!! Please let us know how she is doing after her arrival in Minnesota. Maybe the photographers will be able to capture a picture of her before she leaves. (Wink, wink)

by: Sayuri

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:04:47 +0000

Bulan got so big and when she’s by herself, I’m not quite sure if I’m seeing her or her mom. When she’s with her mom, I can see the size difference, though. She’s so playful. I will miss Bulan, but I am sure that people in Minnesota will fall in love with her. I hope to catch her once before her departure.

by: Sharon, Fort Worth

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:53:23 +0000

The sun bears at the Fort Worth Zoo are among my favorite animals when I visit. Those claws are formidable! Although I don’t know the sexes of our pair, they seem to like to wrestle a lot. Marcella & Dibu appear to be quite the romantic couple. Best of luck for another cub this year. I would love to see a current picture of Bulan. Would it be possible to add one to this blog?

Moderator’s note: We checked, but our busy Zoo photographer hasn’t taken one of Bulan since May 2007.

by: Mae in NJ

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:12:54 +0000

The weaning process is a bittersweet but normal and necessary conclusion to a joyful birthing event. I know that intellectually, but it is still difficult to accept emotionally. In Zoo Atlanta Mei Lan will soon be permanently separated from Lun Lun but fortunately both seem ready for this change in their lives. I recall how Su Lin used to call out to Bai Yun after they were separated and both were somewhat distressed. Of course it turned out well and one day Su Lin will go on to have her own cubs, nurture them, and then leave. Perhaps it is harder for the human observers than for the animals themselves.

Good luck to Bulan and Marcella and their keepers for an easy weaning.

by: suzanne

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:04:34 +0000

Margaret #1,

Danum will hopefully breed in captivity soon. We dont know precisely when Borneans become reproductively mature, but they are thought to be ready sometime between 3-6 years of age, probably on the later end of that range for the males. Danum turned 4 this month.

by: Margaret

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:02:49 +0000

Although it is somewhat bittersweet, it is great to know that each bear cub is growing up healthy, happy, and ready to go fulfill their destiny. Bulan is a cute girl, and her parents have been prolific. Hopefully they will continue to be so, as well as their progeny.

Has Danum been designated for breeding too? Since no mention of Danum’s cub, my guess is that he is still too young to be bred.

What is the normal breeding age of Borean Sun Bears?