Sun Bears

About Sun Bears

Somnang, one of Edinburgh Zoo's new sun bearsThe sun bear is named for the patch of fur on its chest that resembles the rising sun. 

It is the smallest and rarest bear species in the world, and is native to Southeast Asia. 

Sun bears are very energetic and they love to climb and explore! 

The sun bear has big claws that helps it climb, and a long, long tongue which it uses to extract honey and insects from inside trees.

 

 

 

 

The new Sun Bear Enclosure

The new sun bear home is a big play-land for the bears! 

Several enclosures have been combined around the old polar bear site into a new purpose-built exhibit almost three times its original size. 

The enclosure includes:

  •  an indoor heated pool
  • indoor and outdoor climbing structures
  • a waterfall
  • several toys for the bears, like a fruit shaker tree, food holes around the enclosure, a honey drip and clear honey boxes allowing visitors to see the bears use their long tongue as they reach in for a treat!

Visitors will also enjoy two new covered viewing areas where they can witness Somnang and Rotana’s antics and learn more about these wonderful creatures. 

 

Help Support our Sun Bears

A sun bear

If you would like to help RZSS protect endangered species like the sun bear, please consider donating to the Sun Bear Appeal or adopting a sun bear