Sumatra - Orangutan

Sumatra - Orangutan

Photo by Ron Magill

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Ape Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) Conservation Initiative is a collaborative effort by zoos started in 2010 to help conserve wild ape populations.  In 2010, the Zoological Society of Florida donated towards this general fund to be distributed among many vital projects.  The Ape TAG Conservation Initiative awarded a grant to the Ketambe Reforestation and Ecotourism Development Initiative.  This project strives to slow deforestation next to the Gunung Leuser National Park through involving the local inhabitants in reforestation projects, increasing the education about biodiversity and teaching responsible agroforesty and ecotourism techniques.  This holistic approach has environmental benefits and provides the local inhabitants a sustainable way to support their families and the forests.