New Post has been published on VESSWIC - Veterinary Society for Sumatran Wildlife Conservation > http://vesswic.com/freedom-for-sun-bears/
New Post has been published on http://vesswic.com/freedom-for-sun-bears/
Wildlife releases in Sumatra are not a common occurrence and that is why we need to make a big deal out of the release this week of two sun bears into the remote forests of Aceh. Manyak and Abdya are both male sun bears that were caught up in conflicts (through habitat destruction) with villages surrounding remaining habitat.
This week Vesswic travelled to Banda Aceh to assist with the release of both Manyak and Abdya that were being held at the local conservation agency in Banda Aceh. Dr Anhar assisted with providing check-ups and, fluids and any medication required before the sun bears were to make their final journey to freedom after being caught up in conflicts with villages. One sun bear Manyak was found caught in a snare and almost lost his front right paw. Fortunately it was saved and he still has enough use to make it in the wild. The other sun bear, Abdya is a healthy adult male and also ready for release after being held for a period at the loca conservation agency.
The day started at 4am as Dr Anhar and the crew rose for Sahur (open fasting) as it is currently the fasting month for muslims. Soon after Sahur the crew made their way to office of the local conservation agency where the two sun bears were currently being held. In darkness Dr Anhar and Dr Rosa prepared the sedatives for the sun bears. Using a blow pipe and darts to provide the sedatives was a little unsettling for Manyak and Abdya but a small moment of pain and they were both shortly asleep.
For the next two hours Dr Anhar and Dr Rosa provided fluids and took blood samples of both Manyak and Abdya before starting the long journey to their new home.
Dr Anhar and Dr Rosa providing Manyak with fluids.
Soon after both bears were moved into transportation cages and transported on a 3 hour journey to a remote village on the outskirts of the Leueser National Park. It was a relatively uneventful journey with regular food and drink stops to make sure both bears were comfortable and well looked after.
Upon arriving at the village Dr Anhar procured the use of a village boat to take the two bears a long way up stream far away from any human population. The day was starting to get hot so the cages were covered with leaves and Manyak and Abdya were given plenty of water to keep them as comfortable as possible.
Two boats were required to transport the team and the Manyak and Abdya. A long and winding journey through pristine forests surround the river and we came to a point of potential locations for both of our boys to find freedom. Two seperate locations were required to give each bear enough room for his own territory. The first to go was Manyak. The transportation cage was placed next to a fallen tree giving him his bridge to freedom. After a few seconds of sniffing his surrounds Manyak made his way directly of the tree bridge and disappeared into the thick jungle.
Manyak makes his bid for freedon
Next it was the turn of Abdya and he was rearing to go and very anxious. He must have noticed Manyak was no longer there and sensed freedom. We located a nice bank on the river to place Abdya and opened his transportation box. He slowly edged his way out and looked around the bank for a minute. Then as if he suddenly realised he was free he made his way up the bank he happily disappeared into the jungle.
Abdya making his way up the river bank to freedom
Dr Anhar and the team could not be happier. The day was a complete success and considering the amount of things that can go wrong with such a release it was a relief for all involved. Thanks to all and the team from the local conservation agency in Banda Aceh. We look forward to many more future releases just like this one. Good to both of Manyak and Abdya we wish you well.
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Dr Rosa and Dr Anhar assessing Manyak’s condition before release.
Dr Rosa and Dr Anhar assessing Manyak’s condition before release.
Dr Rosa and Dr Anhar assessing Manyak’s condition before release.
Providing fluids for Abdya
Arriving at the outskirts of a village
The boat ride to find the release location
The boat ride to find the release location
The boat ride to find the release location
Abdya making his way up the river bank to freedom
