Sun Bear Bulan Celebrated 20th Birthday
The sun bear reached the milestone age during a special celebration hosted at the Oakland Zoo.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Wildlife
Bulan the sun bear turned 20 years old this weekend. Staff at the Oakland Zoo marked the occasion with enrichment activities for the bear.
Why it matters
The milestone highlights the ongoing care provided to animals at the Oakland Zoo. It serves as a moment for visitors and staff to recognize the longevity of the zoo's residents.
Bulan was born in 2006 and reached her 20th birthday this year. She has been a resident of the Oakland Zoo since her arrival in 2008.
The players
Bulan
Bulan is a sun bear residing at the Oakland Zoo who recently turned 20 years old.
Oakland Zoo
The Oakland Zoo is a zoological park in Oakland that houses and cares for a variety of animal species.
Pagi
Pagi is a sun bear and the younger sister of Bulan.
The details
Bulan and her younger sister, Pagi, participated in the festivities by utilizing their natural sense of smell to locate enrichment gifts. The celebration was documented and shared by zoo staff.
Timeline
Bulan was born in 2006.
Bulan arrived at the Oakland Zoo in 2008.
The zoo shared a video of the birthday celebration on September 28, 2026.
Roadmap
The enrichment activities provided to the bears follow the standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums animal enrichment standards. This approach reflects a broader industry shift toward enhancing the psychological and physical well-being of animals in managed care.
Visitors to the Oakland Zoo can observe the sun bears during standard operating hours. The milestone emphasizes the ongoing opportunities for the public to learn about wildlife care within the city.
The takeaway
Celebrating animal milestones helps foster a deeper connection between the public and the wildlife in their community. Understanding the enrichment needs of bears provides insight into how zoos manage the health and vitality of aging animals.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation efforts in our Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Independent.
