27/10/2026
Vale Jamran 🖤
We've said a sad goodbye to our beloved male Sun Bear, Jamran.
Over the past years, 26-year-old Jamran had been receiving ongoing veterinary care to support him through age-related issues.
His carers had been doing an incredible job leading him through health care training which enabled regular health-checks and they could even provide catrophen injections to help with his arthritis.
But as we know, despite the very best care we just can't stop nature from taking its course. At a recent health check, our vets determined he could no longer experience the quality of life he deserved. The best decision for his welfare was to say goodbye 🖤
Jamran’s story is quite a remarkable one and deserves to be celebrated.
He came from harsh beginnings having been poached from the wild as a cub and our conservation partner Free the Bears rescued him in Cambodia where he was found tied to a pole outside a restaurant.
Had he not been rescued it’s likely he would have experienced a very cruel fate that so many bears suffer at the hands of the illegal wildlife trade.
Back in 2007, the WA community (all of you!) helped us raise funds to bring Jamran and female Bopha to the sanctuary of Perth Zoo.
Jamran brought some emotional trauma with him from his cruel start to life and was initially scared of humans.
But over his lifetime and thanks to the hard work of generations of zookeepers, he transformed. He was still a little wary of men, but he had grown into a trusting bear who was eager for honey and had a particular fondness for sardines.
Over the years, his story helped millions of visitors better understand the devastating impact of the illegal wildlife trade and inspired support for conservation efforts to protect bears in the wild.
It’s thanks to his story that we’ve been able to continue supporting ex-situ conservation work with Free the Bears, who are actively shutting down bear bile farms, carrying out research and advocacy work, and this year achieved the biggest rescue in history of 27 bears.
One of his carers Laura has shared some special thoughts:
"Jamran and his story touched the hearts of so many. Despite a difficult start in life, his personality quickly won people over. He was clever, charismatic, quirky, and endlessly endearing, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Some of my fondest memories of working with Jammy were watching him engage with enrichment in his environment. Seeing him catch flies is a sight I'll never forget. He would become completely absorbed in the challenge, patiently observing and strategizing before making a lightning-fast move to secure his prize. Equally unforgettable was his tendency to cover himself in sardines, wearing the scent with all the confidence of someone applying the world's finest cologne.
Those moments perfectly captured Jarman’s unique character and the joy he brought to those around him. He will be well and truly missed."
In the wild, Sun Bears are a solitary species and only come together to breed. Jamran and Bopha lived side by side in separate habitats and rarely spent time together.
It is expected Bopha will notice he is gone but the pair were not particularly bonded. Our animal carers will be closely monitoring her should she need support.
We'll miss you Jammy 💔
