ASZK Field Trip 1 - North Sumatra

from $712.50

Join us on a unique 9-day field trip through North Sumatra, designed exclusively for Australasian wildlife professionals. This immersive experience offers rare, hands-on involvement with two renowned conservation initiatives—Orangutan Haven and the Sumatran Ranger Project—working at the forefront of wildlife protection and habitat preservation.

Spend three days working at Orangutan Haven alongside local staff to help provide improvements, maintenance, or developments to the 48-hectare site, and construct enrichment or enclosure furnishings for the orangutan residents. Trek in the Gunung Leuser National Park in search of wild Sumatran orangutans and other unique Indonesian wildlife, before spending time with the dedicated rangers from Sumatran Ranger Project. As we trek along the edge of and into the forest, we’ll search for snares, trace the footprints of wild elephants, and witness firsthand how the rangers use their sharp instincts and deep knowledge of the forest to track wildlife and detect signs of illegal activity and human-wildlife conflict.

As part of ASZK’s 50th anniversary celebrations, each trip includes a $100 donation to ASZK’s scholarship fund, supporting professional development for animal care professionals through conferences and workshops. You'll also receive a complimentary 12-month ASZK membership, or an extension to your current one—continuing nearly five decades of support for our zoo and aquarium community.

This is a rare, hands-on opportunity to contribute meaningfully to impactful conservation programmes within Indonesia - a unique professional development opportunity for animal care professionals that gives back to local communities, conservation initiatives, and ASZK.

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Join us on a unique 9-day field trip through North Sumatra, designed exclusively for Australasian wildlife professionals. This immersive experience offers rare, hands-on involvement with two renowned conservation initiatives—Orangutan Haven and the Sumatran Ranger Project—working at the forefront of wildlife protection and habitat preservation.

Spend three days working at Orangutan Haven alongside local staff to help provide improvements, maintenance, or developments to the 48-hectare site, and construct enrichment or enclosure furnishings for the orangutan residents. Trek in the Gunung Leuser National Park in search of wild Sumatran orangutans and other unique Indonesian wildlife, before spending time with the dedicated rangers from Sumatran Ranger Project. As we trek along the edge of and into the forest, we’ll search for snares, trace the footprints of wild elephants, and witness firsthand how the rangers use their sharp instincts and deep knowledge of the forest to track wildlife and detect signs of illegal activity and human-wildlife conflict.

As part of ASZK’s 50th anniversary celebrations, each trip includes a $100 donation to ASZK’s scholarship fund, supporting professional development for animal care professionals through conferences and workshops. You'll also receive a complimentary 12-month ASZK membership, or an extension to your current one—continuing nearly five decades of support for our zoo and aquarium community.

This is a rare, hands-on opportunity to contribute meaningfully to impactful conservation programmes within Indonesia - a unique professional development opportunity for animal care professionals that gives back to local communities, conservation initiatives, and ASZK.

A minimum of six and a maximum of eight participants is required for this field trip to proceed. Your field trip leader will advise when the minimum number of participants has been reached - do not book flights until you have received confirmation. At least a medium level of fitness is required to participate in this experience: comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory.

Group Leader is Amy.