Ka-Ka the Malayan Barking Bear

Some villagers had poached this male sun bear cub from the forests near Laos, with the intention of selling him as a pet. They could not find a buyer quick enough, so they dumped him at Wat Klong Sai Nung , a temple near Thayang, when they were afraid of being caught by the police. At the temple, the monks hand-reared Ka-ka (which in Thai means “football”) and kept him in an enclosure with a group of dogs. Rescued by WFFT in mid-2008, he was 30kg, slightly more than one year old. He was barking like a dog whilst in quarantine, but then calmed down when he was introduced to Gallamair, a 2 year old female sun bear. Ka-ka became instant friends with Gallamair and now follows her everywhere like she is the best thing ever.

After moving Joan and Bouncer, the enclosure left empty has been upgraded with another climbing structure, a tall tower with two storeys. Ka-Ka & Gallamair are now living there and loving it. Climbing, digging, exploring everywhere. When they are a bit older, they will join the rest of the group at the Free the Bears enclosure, but for now they are happy with each other’s company.