- Beloved sun bear Jamran passes away due to age-related health issues
- Rescued after being poached in Cambodia
- Helped educate millions of visitors about the illegal wildlife trade during his nearly 20 years at Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo has farewelled its much-loved 26-year-old male sun bear, Jamran, following age-related health issues, marking the end of a remarkable conservation story that spanned nearly two decades.
Jamran arrived in Western Australia in 2007 after being rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in Cambodia by conservation organisation Free the Bears. Poached from the Cambodian wild as a cub, he was found tied to a pole outside a restaurant before being rescued and given a second chance.
His journey from wildlife trafficking victim to conservation ambassador became one of Perth Zoo’s most powerful education and advocacy stories.
At Perth Zoo, Jamran lived alongside fellow rescued sun bear Bopha, another survivor of the illegal wildlife trade. Together, they contributed to regional conservation efforts through the Zoo and Aquarium Association’s breeding program, successfully producing Australia’s first sun bear cub in 2014.
Over nearly 20 years, Jamran helped millions of visitors better understand the devastating impacts of wildlife trafficking and the importance of protecting vulnerable species across Southeast Asia.
His story also highlighted the critical role zoos play in conservation, supporting threatened species, engaging communities and driving action to protect wildlife in the wild.
Through Perth Zoo’s longstanding partnership with Free the Bears, community support and zoo visitation have directly contributed to bear conservation programs across Asia, including population surveys, improved sanctuary facilities, anti-poaching initiatives and community education programs.
These efforts have helped Free the Bears rescue more than 1,000 bears from the illegal wildlife trade, giving vulnerable animals a chance to recover while addressing the threats that place them at risk.
Jamran’s legacy continues through Perth Zoo’s broader conservation mission. Earlier this year, the zoo launched its Conservation Strategy 2026-29, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding species, supporting wildlife recovery and partnering with organisations around the world to tackle biodiversity loss.
While Jamran will be deeply missed by staff, volunteers and visitors, his life serves as a powerful reminder that conservation action can transform the future of threatened wildlife and help protect species for generations to come.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
“I’d like to thank and commend the team at Perth Zoo for providing such outstanding care and welfare to Jamran for his time here in Western Australia.
“Jamran was a firm favourite in my family and among regular zoo-goers and while his loss will be felt, he leaves an incredible conservation legacy.
“While he was just one individual bear, the impact his story has had in aiding the rescue of countless other bears from the illegal wildlife trade is truly powerful.
“Jamran’s journey from rescue bear to conservation ambassador is a powerful reminder of why Perth Zoo’s work matters and the difference it can make for threatened species worldwide.”
As stated by Perth Zoo Executive Director David van Ooran:
“Modern zoos like Perth Zoo have an important role to play in wildlife conservation, and animals like Jamran help people understand why that work matters.
“Jamran’s legacy is much bigger than the years he spent at Perth Zoo. His story helped shine a light on the threats facing sun bears in the wild and the devastating impact of the illegal wildlife trade.
“Generations of visitors were able to connect with him and learn about the harsh realities of life in the wild and that connection can help inspire real change.
“He was deeply loved by our staff, volunteers and visitors, and we’re incredibly proud of the life we were able to give him and the impact he leaves behind.”
