Racine Zoo welcomes first ever sun bear named Fong
The Racine Zoo added an animal whose species originate in Southeast Asia.
Fong, a 28-year-old male sun bear, arrived at the zoo in October from the Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville, Indiana, the Racine Zoo announced Monday.
Fong is the first sun bear to be featured at the Racine Zoo. Veterinarian techs, mammal curators and a zookeeper shepherded Fong through the move. The staff learned his behaviors, addressed his medications, and reviewed his diet, which includes his favorite — peanut butter sandwiches.
Sun bears are a tropical species that originated from Northeast India through Malayan peninsula, and Indonesia. Sun bears do not need to hibernate. They are omnivores and usually eat bugs, fruits, nuts, vegetables and other sweets like honey. They do occasionally eat meat.
Sun bears live in trees and have large claws on slightly turned-in front paws that help make tree climbing easier. Sun bears will build nests in trees and are known to sleep as high as 25 feet.
According to the Racine Zoo, studies suggest that sun bears are very smart and can mimic human facial expressions. Sun bears are the smallest of the bear species but possess large claws, canines and strong jaws.
Because of the habitat loss and fragmentation, sun bears are listed as "vulnerable" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. They are also affected by the bile farming industry in Southeast Asia.
In recent days, Fong had been adapting to his new environment and is participating in training session. He can be seen checking out the bear habitat on warmer winter days.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Racine Zoo welcomes first ever sun bear named Fong
