Bali, Indonesianpost.com – Two Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus) cubs were born at the Amazing Bali Safari Park in Gianyar District, Bali.
“The successful breeding of Himalayan black bears is a testament to our unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation,” said Dr. Kadek Kesuma Atmaja, animal curator of the Amazing Bali Safari Park, in Denpasar on Monday.
He said the two bear cubs were born on August 1, 2023. They were named Liu and Liam, and their birth was a result of the park’s conservation program.
A female Himalayan black bear, Lili, delivered the cubs after 243 to 245 days of pregnancy.
The birth of Liu and Liam has made the Bali Safari Park the only safari park in Indonesia capable of breeding the Asian black bear.
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“This success also reflects the tireless efforts of our devoted animal caretakers, skilled veterinarians, and our entire team,” Atmaja remarked.
He noted that the two bear cubs are in good health and are receiving intensive medical and wildlife care.
Currently, the safari park serves as a conservation, education, research, and recreation center, housing more than a thousand animals from over 100 species.
The Himalayan black bear is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is threatened by deforestation and poaching for its body parts, which are used in traditional medicine.
Its population is estimated to have declined by 31 percent during the past 30 years, leaving only 61 thousand individuals scattered in regions including China, Japan, India, and Russia.