Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue is NOT a zoo!!
Tasikoki is a wildlife rescue center in North Sulawesi, Indonesia,
which specialises in the native primate species (Sulawesi macaques),
the birds from Wallacea and Papua, as well as a variety of other endemic
animals such as Babirusa. Tasikoki is a unit of the Masarang Foundation,
led by
Dr. Willie Smits, which strives to protect the forests of North
Sulawesi for the benefit of the people, the flora and the fauna. Dr.
Smits built Tasikoki at the beginning of the last decade, along with
several other rescue centers across Indonesia, to provide part of the
solution to help stop the illegal wildlife trade. North Sulawesi has
been a hotspot for the smuggling of wildlife out of Indonesia onto the
global market via the Philippines. Animals from all over the vast Indonesian
archipelago have suffered this trade route. Tasikoki is therefore in
a strategic location to help the authorities tackle this crime and take
care of the wildlife confiscated from this trade. The rescue center
employs a team of dedicated local staff, who care for the animals as
they undergo quarantine, followed by physical and mental rehabilitation
in their preparation for release or sanctuary care. Alongside the rescue
and wildlife rehabilitation, Tasikoki is developing education programs
locally and regionally to spread awareness of the threats being faced
by Indonesia’s precious biodiversity. This work is currently led by
an international team and supported by hard-working volunteers from
all over the world.
Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue is run by volunteers!!
Tasikoki’s
rescue team assists the authorities by investigating wildlife crimes
and providing evidence to aid prosecution. The animals, the victims
of this trade, can find safe refuge at the rescue center and begin a
rehabilitation program so that they can be released back to the wild
where suitable habitat is available. Professional quarantine and an
on-site veterinary clinic enable Tasikoki to offer the animals expert
medical care prior to transit to a suitable rehabilitation center or
begin rehabilitation in-house for native species. Apart from dealing
with confiscated wildlife, the Tasikoki rescue team also helps victims
of human conflict. Where wild animals are hurt or suffering due to human
intervention, they try to assist in rescuing animals from these problems
and facilitating solutions to the conflicts. Currently Tasikoki is home
to 150 birds of 20 different species, approximately 50 primates including
macaques, gibbons and orangutans, as well as a host of other wildlife,
such as sun bears, leopard, babirusa, deer, crocodiles and more that
are all in need of continuous care.On a visit to Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue and Education Center, you will receive an extensive overview of the project’s purpose, mission and goals. You will also get to see up close the 200+ rescued animals of over 40 different species they currently care for on site. Visitors will get to learn about these animals’ histories, the illegal wildlife trade and the conservational issues being faced today in Indonesia.
Give your support!!
Giving Tasikoki your support is very simple. Just by booking this tour you already support because part of the money you pay for this trip is going straight to the donation box of Tasikoki but of course it is highly appreciated when you want to do more!
What more can I do to support?
The easiest way to support directly is money, that will not surprise
you. Tasikoki is not only run by volunteers, they also need to be self-supporting.
During your visit you have the opportunity to donate some money.
Feeding ALL the animals in the rescue center costs IDR 400,000,- (around
€ 34,-). Not to mention the continuing need for new cages or repairing/improving
the existing cages, so every Euro you can spare is more than welcome.
