Indonesia’s Leuser Ecosystem is the last place on Earth where Critically Endangered Sumatran elephants, tigers, orangutans and rhinoceroses coexist in the wild. This remote UNESCO World Heritage site is home to countless fragile habitats and threatened species. Yet due to illegal farming and development, the entire area is in grave danger. That’s six million acres at risk.
When looking for global conservation work to support, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance specifically seeks out landscapes like Leuser: where there is strong alignment with the species in our care and our new strategy and where we can make a measurable impact with modest resources. The Leuser partnership is just one of several new Field Conservation efforts we’re launching this year throughout Asia. Read on to learn exactly what we’re doing, how—and why!
SUMATRA | CONSERVATION CAPACITY STRENGTHENING
In the Leuser Ecosystem, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is excited to be working with Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL), a passionate grass-roots NGO working to protect this unique area and its wildlife. Through this partnership, Denver Zoo will help FKL build a field station for research and monitoring, assist with the restoration of local habitats and much more.
We’ll also support work in surrounding communities in Aceh province, Sumatra, to raise awareness about the long-term effects people have on these fragile ecosystems—with a focus on helping local people secure livelihoods with lower environmental impact. And here at the Zoo, our Sumatran tiger and orangutan family are also raising awareness! By helping our guests form a connection with individuals like ChloJo and Siska, we can spread the word about the dire need to protect their relatives in the wild.
LAOS+ | ASIAN ELEPHANT RESEARCH + EDUCATION
Once called Lan Xang, Land of a Million Elephants, Laos was home to one of the largest elephant populations in Southeast Asia. But today, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict and the illegal wildlife trade have taken a devastating toll. Only about 400 wild elephants remain in the entire country, with the largest group found in Nakai-Nam Theun National Protected Area. More data is needed to address the unique threats to this important elephant population.
We’re proud to partner with Association Anoulak as they study Asian elephant population size, genetic diversity and social dynamics to inform Laos’ National Elephant Action Plan. We’re also working with the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) to support the education of a Lao veterinarian and lab technician. By providing access to specialized training not currently available at the National University of Laos, this partnership will benefit both the ECC and the Lao conservation community as a whole.
Denver Zoo has also become a Conservation Partner of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Asian Elephant Specialist Group, a group of global experts dedicated to managing and protecting the species across the continent. And right here in Toyota Elephant Passage, Denver Zoo experts continue to study our beloved Asian elephant bachelor herd! Our ongoing findings are shared not only with our colleagues in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums—but with elephant conservation organizations all over the world.
LAOS | NORTHERN WHITE-CHEEKED GIBBON RESEARCH
In the dense forests of the natural range of the northern white-cheeked gibbon, they’re incredibly difficult to see—and study! The Annamite Range, which straddles Laos and Vietnam, is one of the last strongholds for this Critically Endangered species. Here, we’ll expand our work with Association Anoulak to support a research program using cutting-edge acoustic recorders. Using sound to monitor gibbon populations isn’t new, but this technology is much more accurate than the previous method: human hearing.
WALKING THE WALK—INTO A GREENER FUTURE
Everything in nature is connected. That’s why our strategy follows the One Health model—a unified approach that connects humans, animals and ecosystems for the health of all. In addition to our work with wildlife and habitats, we must also work with local people to identify and address the root cause of threats. The goal? A world in which humans and animals can share resources in a way that’s sustainable for both. There’s much work yet to be done. Our new partnerships in Asia are only part of the bigger picture…stay tuned for more announcements!
Wondering how you can help? All visits, memberships and donations support our wildlife conservation efforts in Colorado + worldwide. For updates on our conservation work, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
@DenverZoo in the Wild
Happy 2nd birthday to Wicket, our Linne’s two-toed sloth! Born right here at the Zoo, Wicket has grown into an incredible member of our Animal Ambassador team, greeting guests with his slow and steady charm. 🦥 Help us wish him the happiest of birthdays!
Looking for a snuggly way to celebrate? Adopt your very own plush sloth! With your adoption, you`re helping us provide cutting-edge care for Wicket and our sloth family, while also helping us protect their wild counterparts. Adopt a sloth today: https://shop.denverzoo.org/sloth-adoption-kit-bundle
Adopt an Animal presented in partnership with Children`s Hospital Colorado.
#Sloth #TwoToedSloth #AnimalAmbassador #DenverZoo
Reminder that our next Free Day is today, January 26! Free Day ticket reservations are only available on our website on a first-come, first-served basis and will not be available at the Zoo entrance. Please only plan on arriving if you have tickets!
Couldn`t make it this time around? Don’t worry, we have more Free Days planned throughout the year! Learn more: https://denverzoo.org/free-days/
It’s official – our Critically Endangered Eastern bongo calf is named Fig!
Born this past August, Fig has been sticking close to mom, learning the ins and outs of her habitat, and stealing hearts along the way.
Eastern bongos are one of the rarest antelope species, with fewer than 200 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Fig’s birth is an incredibly special moment for us, representing hope for her species and the success of collaborative conservation efforts like the Species Survival Plan.
Be sure to visit her and celebrate this little ray of hope with us!
📷: Volunteer Photographer, Mark Rinker
#EasternBongo #CriticallyEndangered #WildlifeConservation #DenverZoo
Happy International Day of Education! At Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, education is key to our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
Every program, workshop, and visit is a chance for people of all ages to connect with the natural world and empower them to make a difference for wildlife. By sparking curiosity and building understanding, we’re helping to create a future where people and wildlife thrive together. 💚
What`s something you`ve learned during a visit or from following us on social media that stuck with you? We`d love to hear your experiences!
#InternationalDayOfEducation #Education #WildlifeEducation #SavingWildlifeTogether #DenverZooConservationAlliance
