SOCP: Urgent Landslide Relief

Update January 29, 2025

Thank you again to everyone for your generous donations to assist the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) Quarantine Center after the devastating landslides of November 2024. We truly appreciate your ongoing support, and we will make every effort to keep you updated on progress regarding the cleanup and rebuild of the center.

There were 41 orangutans at the Quarantine Center at the time of the landslides and there are now 33 remaining at the center. As previously reported, sadly, 2 precious orangutans died following the landslides; and 2 others were transferred to the Orangutan Haven to continue the medical care they had been receiving prior to the disaster. In addition, 4 orangutans were transferred to the release center in Jambi to begin their transition to life in the forest. All the Quarantine Center orangutans are safe and now in proper cages. As the orangutans were moved to new locations and enclosures, the staff witnessed new friendships made between the orangutans, which was a pleasant surprise.

Unfortunately, the landslide completely destroyed the Forest School area, and school is closed until further notice. The orangutans are receiving much stimulation through daily enrichment activities.

"Normal' operations at the Center have resumed, the facility is clean and hygienic, and the keepers are back to normal routines. The veterinarians have a place to work and are very well equipped thanks to donations of necessary supplies. Cleanup work is progressing, but there is still much to be done to clear away all the mud, debris, and destroyed cages. With regard to reconstruction, a site assessment has been completed and several options are currently being examined. It may be possible to purchase additional land, install a drainage system at the current location, or relocate the Quarantine Center to the rear part of the Orangutan Haven. The reconstruction will take some time, and costs will vary depending on the option. SOCP is not
rushing this decision as the care of the orangutans is not being compromised in any way for the time being, and the SOCP
team wants to be very thorough in researching options before moving forward.

Everyone at SOCP is grateful for the outpouring of support in the past two months. The Orangutan Outreach donors have provided a substantial amount of funding for the SOCP Disaster Relief Fund and we cannot thank you enough.

Update December 23, 2024

Dr. Ian Singleton takes us on a 'guided tour' of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme's (SOCP) Orangutan Quarantine & Rehabilitation Centre in Sumatra, Indonesia, showing the damage, and what has survived, after several devastating landslides struck the centre in the early hours of November 27th, 2024.

 

December 8, 2024

CLick on the image below to see it full size.

Emergency Appeal

Please help the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP)

The Situation

The orangutans need your help – and so does the SOCP team! On November 27, 2024 at 1:00am, several major landslides struck the SOCP Orangutan Quarantine and Rehabilitation Center near Medan in North Sumatra. The landslides were triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall and caused extensive damage to key infrastructure, including the main veterinary clinic and multiple orangutan enclosures.

The Center was home to 41 orangutans at the time of the landslides, and 18 of them were swept out of their holding cages by the mudslides. All but one of the displaced orangutans were safely recovered and returned to the center. Unfortunately the one remaining orangutan, an adult male, could not be retrieved and passed away in the nearby canopy. Another young male, who had been in critical condition since arriving at the rehabilitation center almost two years ago, suffered internal injuries in the landslides and, despite intensive veterinary care, he passed away in his sleep.

No injuries were sustained by the SOCP staff. However, the scale of the destruction to the center is immense.

Immediate Action

Following the landslides, the SOCP team immediately focused on: retrieving the 18 orangutans; clearing the debris; stabilizing the affected area; and assessing the full extent of the damage. This disaster poses a significant challenge, yet the SOCP team is determined to restore the center and continue its exceptional care for orangutans.

Priorities at this time are

  • Ensuring continuity of care: Maintaining essential daily care and rehabilitation for the orangutans.
  • Rebuilding infrastructure: Restoring the clinic, enclosures, and other damaged facilities.
  • Strengthening preparedness: Enhancing infrastructure to better withstand future challenges.

Support Necessary

Your donations are urgently needed. The damage to the sanctuary is immense. The veterinary clinic was hit the hardest and was completely destroyed. Many of the enclosures, including those at the baby house, have also been destroyed. Initial estimates for immediate aid and reconstruction are around half a million USD. Please donate what you are able.

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