Pueblo Zoo’s Malayan Sun Bear celebrates 33rd birthday

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pueblo Zoo celebrated Barney, the Malayan sun bear's 33rd birthday on Wednesday.

Barney was celebrated with his favorite treats and fun decorations in his enclosure.

Barney's sibling, Hoho also celebrated Wednesday at the Topeka Zoo in Kansas.

According to National Geographic, sun bears are found from southern China to eastern India and as far south as Indonesia. They take their names from the bib-shaped golden or white patch on their chest, which legend says represents the rising sun. They have a stocky, muscular build, small ears, and a short muzzle, which has earned them the nickname “dog bear.” They grow to only about half the size of an American black bear. Males, slightly larger than females, are about 5 feet in length and weigh up to 150 pounds, a stature which suits their arboreal lifestyle and allows them to move easily through the trees. They have even been observed making sleeping platforms high above the ground out of branches and leaves.