Enjoy the Sun Bears at Oakland Zoo

Meet the sun bears! Their name comes from the sun-like mark on their chests. Their long claws and especially long tongues are important tools for getting food, sometimes high up in the trees. You might see one of our bears climbing up the large eucalyptus tree in their exhibit. These bears love to eat avocados, honey, and peanut butter.

Zookeepers hide treats throughout the spacious exhibit to encourage the bears to forage for food, as they would in the wild. You might see them playing with a ball, shaking a milk carton, or unwrapping boxes. Zookeepers and volunteers create puzzles and challenges ("enrichment") to keep the bears mentally and physically stimulated throughout the day.

Meet Our Sun Bears

Pagi

Born in 2008, Pagi came to Oakland Zoo in 2010. She is the younger sister of Bulan. Pagi is easily recognizable by her completely connected, donut-shaped crest (the "sun" shape on her chest), and her laid-back demeanor.

Bulan

Born in 2006, Bulan came to Oakland Zoo in 2008, just a couple months before her younger sister Pagi was born. Bulan has a “U” shaped crest that is covered in black spots, resembling freckles, and is very curious and the more “mischievous” of the bears.

Ting Ting (1990-2022)

Born in 1990, Ting Ting came to Oakland Zoo in 2006. She was our oldest bear and easily recognizable by her “V” shaped crest and very loose, wrinkly skin.  Ting Ting was just a cub when her mother was killed, and sold into the pet trade by poachers. Eventually confiscated, she was sent to a couple organizations, before making her way to her forever home here at Oakland Zoo. Many sun bears face the threat of illegal wildlife trade, in addition to habitat loss due to the growing Palm Oil business. Ting Ting passed away in October 2022.

You can help sun bears in the wild by purchasing palm oil-friendly household items and foods, and by visiting Oakland Zoo! Learn more about our conservation partner, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Additionally, if you’re visiting this page during evening hours (PDT - 8pm-6am) while our animals are slumbering, you’ll see some highlights of our favorite moments on these webcams. During the daytime, the cameras are streaming live!