Help save confiscated or injured Sumatran wildlife

Sumatra Rainforest Institute has once again seen an array of Wildlife come through its doors over these last few months and have also been busy developing bonds with fellow Sanctuaries aswell as brainstorming new programmes to enhance our outreach here on the ground with local communities! Keep reading to find out more!

It is important for us to continually check the health of the animals in our care. Our resident Slow Loris Kiko had a visit from the local veteranarian Dr Asrul. Kiko is unable to be released as a result of his teeth being chipped and is therefor unable to defend himself from predators which can be snakes and large birds although in the last few years it has been humans. The wildlife team want to keep on top of his oral hygeine and monitor if it deteriorates. Dr Asrul found his teeth were still strong in condition and with pink healthy gums but would like tocontinue regular monthly checks to prevent further erosion, discolouration and gum disease.

SRI also received a confiscated Variable Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus Cirrhatus). The BBKSDA (Nature conservation agency in Indonesia) confiscated this protected bird who was being kept at a local restaraunt. The bird was purchased as an adolescent and had known a life of a small enclosure on a diet of raw chicken being hand fed by the owner. The Bird was given a health check from the wildlife team accessing weight and wing measurements, body condition, behaviour and temperement. He was very conditioned to human contact and would need extensive rehabilitation before being returned to the forest. The bird was monitored at SRI's transit centre for 2 days before being transferred to another facility who have specific bird aviaries to continue his rehabilitation process.

Last month Sumatra Rainforest Institute was called in when a local family had seen a Slow Loris in a tree on the side of the river and taken it into their home with good intentions thinking it was sick. They wanted what was best and conveyed their good will when removing it from the tree. SRI explained the difference between wildlife vs domectic animals and the importance of the preservation of the population in the wild before removing it from the household. Back at SRI's transit centre Dr Asrul performed a health check under mild sedation. The slow Loris was a young male, weighing 700gm in good physical condition and most importantly with a full set of sharp healthy teeth. He was also very unhappy to be handled and wary of humans which are all positive attributes for potential release candidates. 
The Loris was kept in quarentine for 5 days to closely monitor behaviour, eating habits and phaecal matter, once given the bill of clean health the team summised the quicker this loris is released the better to minimise prolonged human contact.  Along with national parks the wildlife unit went out to scout a suitable location, one that was atleast 800m above sea level, had nectar producing flowers, sap trees, fruit and insects and was protected from any illegal logging. The mission was a success and a location was found. The young Loris was released on a fruit tree deep in a national park in Mandailing natal regency. He took less then 5 minutes to shoot up from his transport enclosure until he was out of sight. Crickets and fruit were left at the base and we are hopeful he is once again enjoying the freedom he is entitled to.

The wildlife team was also lucky enough to be given the grand tour of a very renound Gibbon Sanctuary and rehabilitation facility in the province of West Sumatra: Kalaweit. This organisation was started over a decade ago by Channe kalaweit, A determined and inspiring man from france who has a love and dedication towards Gibbons like no other. He has experience in all aspects of socialisation, rehabilitation and release and our team were welcomed with immense hospitality and spent the day talking about cage design, common illnesses and what strategie have and have not worked over the years. They came back with helpful footage, notes and great new ideas to enhance our facilities. We look forward to continueing the communication with Kalaweit and working towards creating a better future for the wildlife in Sumatra.

This coming month Sumatra rainforest Institute is also delving into a new project to spread the word of what SRI does for forest and animal conservation and will be exploring the idea of regular school and community outreach programmes and visits targeted at the younger generations. Empowering and inspiring the minds and hearts of local children and encouraging teachers and parents to unite as a community to protect this beautiful part of the world that they live in.

The lungs of the earth. We will be rolling out powerpoints, games, quizes and prizes for all to be involved. 

Again none of the above would be possible for our organisation to do without the kind and continued support of donations from yourself. Alot goes a long way and everything is apreciated.
From the Forests of Sumatra, Thankyou!

The SRI team.