Strange animal captured in Indonesia is actually a hairless sun bear

[Hans Mann]

[Hans Mann]

KUCHING: The sick sun bear found near Sibu early this month is now able to eat and climb but remains in quarantine at the Matang Wildlife Centre.

The bear is currently under the care of Dr Silje Robertsen, a volunteer veterinarian from Norway.

"As of today, the animal is alert, able to climb and to eat normally.

"The sun bear is still kept in quarantine, as she is still weak and suffering from hook worms, mite infestation and moderate anaemia," Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) said in a statement on Friday.

SFC said it was still too early to determine whether the sun bear could make a full recovery as it had been very sick for a prolonged period of time.

"In the meantime, her treatment will continue based on a carbohydrate-rich diet with food supplements, antibiotics and protein.

"She will remain quarantined to minimise external disturbances," SFC said.

It added that the wildlife centre had been inundated with calls about the sun bear.

The centre's manager Siali Aban said there had been many enquiries from visitors wanting to see it.

The sick sun bear had been spotted in January by Indonesian plantation workers, who were shocked by its strange and hairless appearance.

Photos and videos of the animal went viral online, attracting many comments on its Gollum-like appearance.

It was found by workers near a palm oil estate in ...

'Hairless' sun bear in quarantine weak but able to eat - Nation | The Star Online

[harrybarracuda]

They're obviously trying to get it well enough to sell to a Shanghai restaurateur.