Celebrating Women in Conservation

Through the Denver Zoo Women in Conservation Fund, we’ve had the privilege of supporting six passionate women making a lasting impact on their communities and ecosystems.

From protecting Javan gibbons and Sumatran rhinos to advocating for sea turtle conservation and dugong habitat restoration, these inspiring leaders are breaking barriers, uplifting communities, and creating a brighter future for wildlife. Their work highlights the power of women in conservation and the importance of diverse voices in protecting our planet.

Join us in celebrating these extraordinary women and their contributions! Learn more about the Women in Conservation Fund recipients and their impactful work below.

Chantira Saifimar | Indonesia

Chantira Saifimar is a dedicated sea turtle researcher in Indonesia working to protect Endangered turtle populations from poaching and habitat loss. With support from our Women in Conservation Fund, she launched educational campaigns in local schools, mapped critical nesting sites, and empowered her community to take action.

Chantira’s efforts are ensuring a safer future for sea turtles and fostering environmental stewardship among future generations.

Alia Firdamayant | Indonesia

Alia Firdamayant is a dedicated researcher working to protect the Endangered dugong in Indonesia. With support from our Women in Conservation Fund, Alia conducted critical research on Senayang Island, mapping 82 hectares of vital seagrass habitat—an essential food source for dugongs. She also engaged local communities to raise awareness and inspire conservation efforts.

For Alia, success isn’t just about protecting wildlife—it’s about empowering communities and fostering human development alongside environmental stewardship. By amplifying the voices of women in conservation, she’s paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Alifi Nisya | Indonesia

Alifi Nisya is a passionate conservationist working to protect the Leuser Ecosystem—the last place on Earth where Sumatran rhinos, elephants, tigers, and orangutans coexist.

As a Program Manager for Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL) in Indonesia, Alifi is dedicated to combating poaching, illegal logging, and habitat destruction. With support from our Women in Conservation Fund, she has strengthened her leadership skills, expanded her global conservation network, and joined the prestigious Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program—where she collaborated on international conservation strategies.

Alifi is proof that women’s leadership is essential in conservation. By empowering women, we gain new perspectives, stronger community trust, and innovative solutions that create lasting impact. She hopes to continue inspiring more women to step into leadership roles and drive change in their communities.

Rahayu Oktaviani | Indonesia

Rahayu Oktaviani is a passionate conservationist dedicated to protecting the Critically Endangered Javan gibbon in Indonesia. As the co-founder and director of Kiara Orangutan Ecosystem Aara, Rahayu works tirelessly in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park—one of the last remaining habitats for these rare primates.

With support from our Women in Conservation Fund, she has expanded efforts in conservation education, community engagement, and long-term behavioral research. Through her leadership, the program has provided research scholarships for Indonesian students to study Javan gibbons in the wild, mentored young conservationists to become advocates for Indonesia’s wildlife, supported local educators to spread awareness in remote schools, and strengthened monitoring efforts by equipping field teams with essential supplies.

For Rahayu, success means seeing women step into leadership roles, students become passionate conservationists, and communities embrace the protection of their natural heritage. She believes that when women are empowered, they become some of the strongest advocates for conservation.

A Collective Impact

We are honored to support these extraordinary women and learn from their expertise. Their collective impact on biodiversity benefits us all, demonstrating that when women are empowered in conservation, entire ecosystems and communities thrive.