From November 12-14, 2024, Amanda Faradifa was honored to attend the Indonesian Small Apes Medicine Seminar: Synergy for Indonesian Small Apes, held at Bogor, West Java. This important event brought together veterinarians from conservation organizations across Indonesia to discuss key topics related to the health and wellbeing of small apes like gibbons and siamangs.
As a veterinarian with experience in wildlife and a coordinator of both the Macaque Coalition (MACC) and the Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition (SMACC), Amanda was honored to be involved in the seminar. This gathering brought together experts from various rehabilitation and conservation centers, including renowned organizations like Pusat Perlindungan Satwa Tasikoki (PPS Tasikoki), Aspinall Indonesia, Javan Gibbon Center, and many more.
Special thanks also go to the expert speakers that made this event possible, including Great Ape Consultancy, PSSP IPB, FKH UB, Yayasan Kiara, Perth Zoo, as well as the supporters Arcus Foundation, ASLIQEWAN (Association of Indonesian Wildlife and Exotic Animal Veterinarians), Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia, and Perhimpunan Dokter Hewan Indonesia (Indonesian Veterinary Association).
The Mission of the Seminar: Enhancing Small Ape Welfare
The mission of the seminar was clear: to increase the capacity of veterinarians in fulfilling the welfare needs of small apes like gibbons and siamangs, while also sharing experiences to improve conservation efforts. This mission aligns closely with the Asia for Animals Coalition’s goals of fostering collaboration, building capacity, and promoting the welfare of animals across the continent.
With Indonesia being home to several species of small apes that face significant threats from habitat destruction, illegal trade, and human-wildlife conflict, it is vital for veterinary professionals and conservation organizations to collaborate and share expertise. The seminar served as an ideal platform for this exchange of knowledge and skills.
Key Discussions and Insights
The seminar covered a wide range of crucial topics, including:
Rescue and Translocation: Effective strategies for rescuing and relocating injured or displaced small apes.
Health Cases and Lab Examinations: Discuss common health issues faced by small apes and how to conduct basic lab tests for diagnosis.
Necropsy and Gibbon Health Working Group: Understanding post-mortem practices to manage animal health better and prevent future issues.
Behavioral Interactions: Exploring how behavior impacts these species' physical and mental health.
Nutrition, Enrichment, and Cage Management: Focusing on the importance of proper nutrition, environmental enrichment, and cage design to improve the animals’ well-being.
Physical and Mental Health of Veterinarians: Addressing the mental health and well-being of veterinarians working with wildlife, which is often overlooked.
Release Strategies: Best practices for the successful reintroduction of rehabilitated animals back into their natural habitat.
How Asia for Animals Coalition Enhances Regional Initiatives
Asia for Animals Coalition (AfA) supports initiatives like the Indonesian Small Apes Medicine Seminar by fostering networking and partnerships among professionals, building capacity through training and resources, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and advocating for stronger wildlife protection policies. Additionally, through the Sanctuaries and Rescue Centers Coalition (SARCC), we collaborate with rescue centers to improve animal welfare and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to the conservation and care of small apes across the region.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Conservation Networks
The seminar highlighted the vital role of collaboration in wildlife conservation. By enhancing the capacity of veterinarians, particularly in the specialized care of small apes, the event aimed not only to improve their immediate care but also to drive long-term positive outcomes for small apes and other endangered species.
AfA is proud to have been part of this event and grateful to all the organizations and individuals who contributed to its success. Through the ongoing work of AfA, we look forward to continuing to support initiatives like this that make a real difference for animals across Asia.
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