With less than 6,600 Orangutans in the wild within North Sumatra, Raw Wildlife Encounters leads fundraising tours that directly contribute to the conservation of the survival of the Sumatran orangutans. In 2015, these tours raised over $100,000 for Earth 4 Orangutan (E4O) programs.

By participating in these tours, travellers are committing to fundraise a minimum of $500 AUD and are given an exclusive behind the scene look at the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) and meet the orangutans involved in this project. 

This is the only time that travellers are allowed to enter the SOCP Quarantine station, which is not open to general travellers.  Time is also spent with leading orangutan specialists, including Dr Ian Singleton (named one of UK's Top 50 conservationist) and RAW's CEO & Director of Quarantine for SOCP Jess McKelson, who are both leading the way in saving these critically endangered orangutans.

“These tours are an extraordinary opportunity for people to go behind the scenes, and see the work of the worlds' experts in orangutan conservation. They see exactly where their fund raising money goes and witness the impact that their efforts have,” Says Jessica McKelson, Raw Wildlife Encounters Director. 

“And it's a very personal journey for many. I, myself was effected on a personal level when I first came to Sumatra back in 2005, and I have now dedicated my life to the cause of saving orangutans. I'm honoured to offer our RAW guests these exclusive fund raising tours, and love to see the ongoing relationships and connections formed with our projects, our guides and local communities and other members of their tours.  It's a unique experience.”

Throughout these 7 days, travellers are led by Raw Wildlife Encounters professional wildlife leaders. Lauren Booth, Head of Carnivores and Carly Day, Lead Senior Keeper of Primates are both from Auckland Zoo, and are highly renowned for their conservation work and dedication to the survival of the Sumatran orangutans. 

"I feel extremely lucky that I get to go to work every day and build relationships with the most incredible animals; species that most people don't even get a chance to see in their lifetimes." says Carly Day.  Both Day and Lauren Booth agree, "Being able to lead a tour to Sumatra and give other people the opportunity to meet and connect with some of the amazing species we work with is such a privilege, and we think every person who gets to experience this is another opportunity to change the world and save these amazing habitats."

Travellers will be introduced to the beauty of Gunung Leseur National Park, exploring the rainforest for wild orangutans and other unique Sumatran flora and fauna, as well as spending time at the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) to further understand the work they do with saving orangutans.

Throughout these tours, travellers will stay in comfortable eco lodges, jungle caves, sleep under a 30-foot waterfall, and at Bukit Lawang, which is home of several species of primates, including the Thomas Leaf Monkey and orangutan.  Travellers will also be able to hand feed and bathe baby elephants, as well as experience the gracious hospitality of the Karonese people.

The Earth 4 Orangutans Fundraising Tours are $2,000AUD per person with 100% profit donated directly to the Earth 4 Orangutans Projects. 

For more information see www.rawildlife.com.au/tour/earth4orangutans or email info@rawildlife.com.au.

About Raw Wildlife Encounters

Raw Wildlife Encounters (RAW) excels at organising life-changing travel experiences and unique wildlife encounters.  RAW was named one of the Top 10 Eco-Tours in the world by BBC in 2015. Our small-group tours are led by qualified wildlife professionals who will take you along roads less well-travelled and allow you to experience truly incredible learning encounters with unique wildlife.  Raw Wildlife Encounters fosters responsible tourism that benefits the local people, environment and wildlife in all our travel destinations through our Community and Conservation Programs.

For more information www.rawildlife.com.au or visit: www.facebook.com/rawildlife

Media Enquires: Deb Pilgrim +61 419 246 850 e: deb@rawildlife.com.au

Interviews: Lauren Booth 0226538932 e: laurenboo@gmail.com

Carly Day 0278722547 e: carlymday@gmail.com

Photos available on request