Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme

A nonprofit organization

$720 raised by 14 donors

1% complete

$100,000 Goal

SOCP (Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme) manages vital field conservation initiatives for the Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutan, ranging from orangutan rescue, rehabilitation and reintroduction to the wild, biodiversity monitoring and research, habitat protection, and environmental education including community outreach and development. Starting in 2001, SOCP maintains the first and largest center in Sumatra that cares for and rehabilitates orangutans confiscated from the illegal pet trade. To date, the SOCP has rescued over 450 orangutans and successfully reintroduced over 320 into both release sites (Bukit Tigapuluh National Park in Jambi Province and Jantho Nature Reserve in Aceh Province). The goal at both locations is to establish entirely new, genetically viable, self-sustaining populations of this Critically Endangered species in lush, biodiverse forests spread out across the island. Thus, The SOCP has long been seen as the foremost authority on the status and distribution of remaining wild orangutans across the island, and we are proud to be a key player in the battle to save such iconic species and their remaining forest habitat. 

Concern beyond the cuteness! In early 2023, the conflict between humans and wildlife was the main highlight for the government and the public, especially in North Sumatra and Aceh Province. Most of the conflict area was located in fragmented areas due to land clearing and deforestation. This conflict is not only detrimental to society but also dampens for the wildlife. SOCP by its Rescue Response Unit (RRU) Team and Conflict Mitigation Team put the maximum efforts to reduce the impact of this conflict, both for humans and wildlife. 

 

In Our Quarantine and Rehabilitation Center, there is one baby orangutan named Kike. Kike is a male infant orangutan, who arrived at our center with a dehydrated condition and seems very traumatized due to illegal trading. In his first week, we kept him separate from others for health monitoring and behavior assessment. After finishing his quarantine periods, he was introduced to another infant (Inox, male, estimated less than 1.5 years old), who arrived a month earlier with him. During a time, Kike and Inox have a special bounding, they learn together by peering at another orangutan in the next cage. this process is a good step to building kike`s confidence and skills. Even if they learn from other orangutans, the animal keeper still has a big role to play. They will ensure that all orangutans are sufficient and well, with minimal direct contact with orangutans.



Of course, with each baby orangutan taken to our Centre, this also means there is one less wild orangutan mother out there in the wild – as it is well known that none would ever give up their babies.   Therefore, in addition to our working to care for and rehabilitate those under our care, we also devote a great amount of time and energy to conserving orangutans and their wild habitat, to prevent the loss of their natural homes to begin with.

SOCP continues to conduct population and habitat research across three stations spanning different habitat types and distribution of orangutans in Sumatra: Suaq Balimbing Station in the district of Aceh Tengah, Aceh province, Sikundur in the district of Langkat, North Sumatra, and Camp Mayang in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra. In addition to orangutan behavioral data collected from painstakingly following them from dawn to dusk, climatological and phenological data are also collected to create a more complete long-term picture of orangutan ecology. These data are a vital contribution to the scientific community’s overall understanding of the needs of both species of orangutan in Sumatra, and they provide insight into the dynamics of orangutan behavior and how they adapt to a changing world.

        

These are then used by the authorities and other important stakeholders to develop and enhance conservation actions related to orangutans and their remaining forested habitat, in addition to many other threatened species (e.g., Sumatran tigers, Sumatran elephants, Sumatran rhinos) found in these same areas.  

It is a big job, but we and all our staff are passionate and completely devoted to the mission.  We always try our best for each individual orangutan, so that they can be released back to nature, and contribute to the long-term preservation of the species. 


Giving Activity

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme

other names

Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari

Continent

Asia

Apes Categories

Orangutans

Address

Bunga Sedap Malam IX, No. 3 Sempakata, Medan Selayang
Medan, ID 20132

Phone

+626180047471

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