Critical support for our Sumatran colleagues after devastating floods

Our incredible colleagues from the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) were recently hit by devastating floods – causing landslides and major damage to their orangutan quarantine and rehabilitation centre.  

To help towards reconstruction of their veterinary clinic, equipment and supplies, and some of the orangutan enclosures, the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund has provided an emergency $30k grant in addition to our regular annual support.

Sadly, two of 41 orangutans at the centre at the time died as a result of the landslides. They were among 19 orangutans that escaped during this weather event and were then safely recovered, but unfortunately their associated trauma and injuries proved fatal. The clean-up and restoration of SOCP’s facilities is ongoing and you can check out some of the progress in the video below.

“SOCP’s groundbreaking work, which we have proudly supported for 22 years, is at the heart of orangutan conservation in Southeast Asia – so we were gutted to hear the news of the devastating damage to their facilities from recent extreme weather,” says, Auckland Zoo’s Head of Animal Care & Conservation, Richard Gibson.

“We hope that this modest gesture, and those of many other donors, will help SOCP get back on their feet as soon as possible, and back to the critical work rescuing, rehabilitating and reintroducing orangutans back to the wild. And we encourage anyone who would like to support the recovery of SOCP to make a donation,” says Richard.

Since its establishment in 2001, SOCP has cared for over 463 rescued orangutans and successfully reintroduced 352 orangutans into safe wild areas – 211 at the edge of Bukit Tigapuluh National Park in Jambi province and 141 into Jantho Nature Reserve in Aceh.

Its quarantine and rehabilitation centre is critical to global efforts to conserve Critically Endangered orangutans impacted by the illegal wildlife trade, deforestation and human-wildlife conflict. It remains one of the few facilities worldwide dedicated to both Sumatran orangutans and Tapanuli orangutans, and beyond its direct conservation work, it serves as a hub for education and collaboration, fostering partnerships to protect these species and the fragile ecosystems they depend on.

Dr Ian Singleton OBE, director of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, says the extreme weather on 27 November 2024 “highlights the increasing challenges faced by conservation programmes like SOCP. The damage is immense, but with support from the government and the global community, the critical work of orangutan conservation will continue. Rebuilding now means creating a stronger, safer foundation for the future—one that ensures orangutans have the chance to thrive in the wild.”

Whenever you visit Auckland Zoo, you’re helping us care for wildlife at the Zoo, across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, including in Sumatra – home to orangutans, tigers, rhino, and thousands of other precious species – so thank you!

If you’d like to make a direct donation to our Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund you can, to help support projects like SOCP.