BSBCC faces continuing habitat loss, forest fragmentation, poaching and the illegal capture of cubs for the pet trade. Many rescued bears arrive traumatised, malnourished or lacking the behaviours needed for survival in the wild, making rehabilitation lengthy and uncertain. Some require lifelong care. Maintaining specialist staff, veterinary facilities, forest enclosures and post-release monitoring is expensive, while the centre must secure reliable funding and sufficient space to accommodate future confiscations without compromising animal welfare.

Addressing these pressures would mean fewer sun bears being orphaned, traded or confined as pets, and more animals remaining safely in their natural habitat. Better-connected forests and stronger enforcement would reduce the need for rescue, while expanded facilities and sustainable funding would improve care for bears already displaced. Successful rehabilitation and monitoring would return more individuals to the wild. Greater public understanding would also build long-term support for protecting Sabah’s forests and their wider biodiversity.