Buni

The plot

"Formosan Black Bear is more precious than panda!" The entire species is marked as "vulnerable" by the IUCC ( International Union for Conservation of Nature). Classified as "endangered" by the Taiwan government, the species is being pushed to the brink of extinction by illegal hunting and land clearing. We estimate there are between just 200 to 600 black bears over the entire island.

At the beginning of the film, we witness a baby black bear (BUNI) was found left in the wild without its mother to care for it. Then it was taken to Endemic Species Institute for treatment. Researchers formed by professor Hwang designed a simulated forest to train it in survival skills. They also prepared wild fruits and vegetables which is not bought from the market for the bear to feed on.

After 4 months of treatment, BUNI was moved into a fenced enclosure that simulated a wilderness area. It is like a school where BUNI can learn all the lessons needed there, such as climbing trees, making its own den, hunting foraging, and other survival skills. One of the lessons BUNI took was about how to evade humans and traps. It is very sad that we are the major hazard for BUNI. Therefore, professor Hwang and TBBCA held two advocacy meetings with the tribe Bunun community in order to avoid encounters with bears and educate people before its release.

With the Bunun tribal elder’s prayer and assistance from a National Airborne corps helicopter, the bear cub went back home. This is the perfect result of public and private sectors joining in a common effort. But now the question is: Is BUNI safe and doing OK right now?

• Age Rating General (12 and under)
• Running time 01:23:28 mins



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