Welcome to the hidden gem of ethical wildlife adventure - where nature's beauty collides with human responsibility. Today, we delve into the heart of sustainable wildlife encounters, a journey that transcends mere observation and into a realm of coexistence and preservation.
The Art of Ethical Encounters
Imagine a small group, moving quietly through the lush greenery of the jungle, guided by experts who are not just navigating the terrain but also bridging the gap between the wild and the human world. This is the essence of sustainable wildlife encounters - a delicate dance of respect and admiration for the creatures that call this habitat home.
Orangutans: Guardians of the Canopy
Among the towering trees and lush foliage, orangutans swing gracefully through the canopy, their orange fur a vivid contrast against the verdant backdrop. These majestic creatures, along with other primates, are the stars of the show, each playing their part in the intricate tapestry of jungle life.
It's essential to maintain a ten-meter distance from the wildlife, allowing them to behave naturally without intrusion. However, some orangutans along the jungle border have a unique 'history' with humans, stemming from their unfortunate past in the pet or zoo trade. These individuals may display bolder behavior in the hopes of scoring a fruit snack, a habit that poses risks to both humans and animals.
Guides: Guardians of the Leuser
The jungle is a wild and oftentimes dangerous place, with surpirse animal encounters, sudden changes in weather and shock floods possible at every bend in the trail; a professional, experienced and committed team is needed to ensure guest and wildlife safety at all times.
Each with over 15 years experience of jungle trekking and guiding, our trekking team are affectionately referred to as the 'seniors' of the Bukit Lawang guiding community, and have each amassed a huge wealth of experiences with both wildlife and guests alike.
Their high calibre understanding of the jungle- its intricacies and complexities-along with their jungle survival knowledge and skills are absolutely paramount to the success of treks, and guest enjoyment. Considering their integral role the guiding team should be correctly compensated for their efforts and expertise; we here at SEE therefore, strongly adhere to the trek pricing and guide salary structure as defined by the Indonesian Guiding Association and DO NOT offer discounts.
The Code of Conduct
Our expert guides are not just leaders but protectors, ensuring that both guests and wildlife remain safe throughout the trek. It's crucial to follow their instructions diligently, avoiding any interaction or approach towards the animals. Remember, orangutans, despite their gentle appearance, can exhibit aggression towards humans, making adherence to the ten-meter rule paramount.
In the event of an animal advancing towards the group, guests must maintain a low profile, staying quiet and still, refraining from direct eye contact. It's a protocol designed to safeguard all parties involved, minimizing risks and fostering a harmonious encounter.
In order to ensure as little impact on the delicate jungle ecosystem as possible, we strongly encourage all our guests to pack and use sustainable products whilst on their jungle trek. Eco-friendly, natural soaps made locally by the wonderful Aini Ecosoaps will be provided to all SEE guests free of charge, and we have several sustainable products (such as biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes, and charcoal toothpaste) available for purchase in our gift shop.
If you would like more information on how to prepare for your trek in a sustainable way, please check out our blog post: Unlocking the Ultimate Sustainable Trekking Gear Choices.
The Legacy of Preservation
At the core of sustainable wildlife viewing lies a commitment to preserving these irreplaceable species for future generations. Orangutans, in particular, are vulnerable to human illnesses, necessitating a hands-off approach to safeguard their health and well-being.
As we venture into their world, let us embrace the ethos of ethical wildlife encounters – a journey that transcends mere observation to become a testament of our respect and responsibility towards the natural world.
Let's embark on this adventure together, where every step is a promise to protect, preserve, and appreciate the wonders of the wild.
Embrace the wilderness responsibly.
Comments