Some areas of the Zoo are CLOSED to allow us to prepare for our Halloween events. ... read more
Until 3rd November, there will be restricted access at Bears of the Rising Sun (lower viewing) and our Elephant Bushwalk will be closed.
From 14th October 2024, our Woodland Hollow will be closed.
Both bears were confiscated by Government Anti-poaching Patrols in Cambodia in 2007 and 2008. Srey Ya was found in a village, weighing just 300 grams and suffering from pneumonia. Jo-Jo was rescued from a bar where he was being kept as a pet to amuse visitors at just 6 months old.
A lot of time, money and thought went into their modern habitat to ensure that our sun bears have a home suiting all of their physical and behavioural needs; providing an exciting and diverse environment.
Jo-Jo and Srey Ya have a large outdoor area to explore along with an indoor area consisting climbing frames and a waterfall for enrichment. Both areas can be viewed by the public but our sun bears also have the opportunity to retire to their own private, off-show, sleeping quarters.
A sun bear’s tongue is
25cm
in length
Sun bears eat
4kg
of vegetables each day
This habitat opened in
2010
for our sun bears
Sun bears can live for
25 years
in the wild
Animals in Bears of the Rising Sun
Malayan Sun Bear
Helarctos malayanus
From: Asia
Status: Vulnerable
Quick Fact: Sun bears are sometimes referred to as honey bears due to their insatiable appetite for honey and honeycombs!
Find me in: Bears of the Rising Sun
Mammals
Adopt an animal at Colchester Zoo
You will be helping to fund our work, as well as our charity, Colchester Zoological Society, which assists conservation projects all over the world!
