Assessing the impact of multi-modal enrichment on behavioral diversity and welfare indicators in captive malayan sun bears (helarctos malayanus)

The Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), the smallest member of the Ursidae family, faces significant welfare challenges in captivity, where restricted environments often result in stress and the development of stereotypic behaviours. This study investigates the impact of multi-modal enrichment comprising food-based, sensory, structural, cognitive, and auditory interventions on the behavioural diversity and welfare indicators of captive Malayan sun bears. Conducted over 21 days at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC), Sungkai, Perak, two adult sun bears were observed using a within-subject experimental design, with behaviours recorded through focal sampling and scan sampling at 1-minute intervals for 30- minute sessions during morning and afternoon periods. Behavioural categories assessed included exploratory activity, feeding, play, resting, novelty response, avoidance, stress indicators, agonistic displays, and stereotypy. The findings revealed clear individual differences: Awe Jerek frequently exhibited stress-related and agonistic behaviours, especially during baseline while Mek Bantal displayed distinct stereotypic pacing, moving back and forth repetitively, particularly during non-enrichment periods. Implementation of food-based, structural, sensory, and cognitive enrichment increased exploratory behaviour and reduced the duration of stereotypies in both individuals, whereas auditory enrichment promoted calmness but showed variable effectiveness. Overall, multi-modal enrichment improved behavioural diversity and reduced indicators of compromised welfare, demonstrating its value in enhancing the management and ex-situ conservation of captive Malayan sun bears.