The Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme’s quarantine and rehabilitation centre in Indonesia is facing a crisis after landslides, triggered by heavy rain, struck at 1 am on November 27, damaging critical infrastructure.
In operation since 2001, the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme runs the only quarantine and care facility for the great apes on Sumatra, the world’s sixth largest island and a part of Indonesia. Its quarantine centre in North Sumatra rehabilitates orangutans confiscated from illegal captivity. The centre features a fully equipped medical clinic, isolation cages, and socialization areas, providing essential care and training for over 460 rescued orangutans, with more than 350 having been successfully reintroduced to the wild.
The landslides affected 41 orangutans, with 18 escaping their enclosures in the resulting chaos. All but one were safely recovered by the conservation programme team’s quick response. The remaining ape is being tracked and monitored by field teams until he can also be safely recaptured, according to a press release issued by the conservation programme and the Center for Great Apes in Florida, USA.
“It’s incredible that no lives were lost, considering the scale of destruction,” said Yenny Saraswati, senior veterinarian at the conservation programme. The team is now focusing on clearing debris and stabilizing affected areas; ensuring continued care for the orangutans; and rebuilding damaged facilities.
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Initial estimates indicate that about $500,000, or Rs4.25 crore, will be needed for repairs and reconstruction at the centre. A fundraising campaign has been launched for the purpose.
Dr Ian Singleton, OBE, conservation director at Orangutan Haven, said, “This extreme weather highlights the increasing challenges faced by conservation programmes like the SOCP. The damage is immense, but with support, the critical work of orangutan conservation will continue.”
In addition to rehabilitation of the great apes, the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme engages in field conservation, research, and community development projects to protect and sustain orangutan populations in their natural habitats. The programme is a collaborative initiative involving the Indonesian non-governmental organization Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari, the Switzerland-based PanEco Foundation, and the Indonesian government’s Directorate General of Natural Resource and Ecosystem Conservation.
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The Center for Great Apes and the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme support each other’s efforts in protecting and caring for the critically endangered apes. Although they are situated half a world away, both non-profit organizations share common objectives and actively exchange knowledge to enhance their efforts, according to their press statement.
- Shared Expertise: As leading certified orangutan sanctuaries, the Center for Great Apes and the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme exchange best practices for the care and well-being of the great apes. This knowledge sharing helps to improve the quality of care at both facilities.
- Complementary Missions: Both organizations are dedicated to providing sanctuary for orangutans rescued from various situations, including the entertainment industry, research, and the exotic pet trade.
- Mutual Support: Both sanctuaries have experienced impacts from natural disasters. They support each other during these challenging times, sharing resources and expertise to ensure the continued care of their orangutan residents.
- Conservation Efforts: While the Center for Great Apes focuses on providing lifetime care for rescued orangutans, the Sumatran organization works on reintroducing orangutans to the wild and protecting their natural habitats. This complementary approach allows for a more comprehensive conservation strategy.
- Raising Awareness: By collaborating, the organizations are able to amplify their message about the importance of orangutan conservation and the challenges these critically endangered animals face in the wild and in captivity.
SOURCE: PR Newswire
