Connecting Community and Conservation - A Zookeeper’s Experience

Now that I’ve had a little time to settle back into normal life, I’ve really been reflecting on how meaningful the trip was.

Working with tigers for over 10 years, this truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tigers are one of the reasons I entered this field, so being able to contribute directly to conservation efforts in Sumatra and see the work happening on the ground was honestly surreal. Meeting the rangers and seeing firsthand the dedication, challenges, and passion they bring to protecting tigers and supporting local communities was incredibly inspiring.

Harvesting the bamboo fence railings

One of the biggest takeaways for me was how connected conservation and community truly are. Building the cattle corral alongside the rangers and local community members made the impact feel very real and tangible. It wasn’t just about protecting tigers, it was about helping people and wildlife coexist. I also really appreciated how authentic the experience was.

I also loved getting to experience the rainforest itself and seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. Seeing orangutans in the wild is something I’ll never forget. The night drive should be a staple for this trip, it was absolutely my favorite experience and the street food along the way will be something I talk about for the rest of my life. 

Thank you again for everything you and the team do. It’s obvious how much passion and care goes into these expeditions and into supporting the Sumatran Ranger Project. I’m incredibly grateful I had the opportunity to be part of it, and I’ll absolutely carry the experience with me throughout my career.