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Ellis Park: Hope for Sumatra's Trafficked Wildlife
17 Oct
Summary
- A sanctuary provides a permanent home for trafficked animals unable to return to the wild.
- The park was established on land donated by musician Warren Ellis in 2021.
- Residents include animals with severe disabilities like amputations and blindness.
In southern Sumatra, a crucial sanctuary named Ellis Park offers a permanent haven for wildlife rescued from illegal trade, especially for those unable to return to their natural habitats. Opened in April 2021, the park was founded on land donated by Australian musician Warren Ellis, who was moved by harrowing images of animal suffering.
Ellis Park addresses a significant gap in the region, which is a major hub for wildlife crime. Many rescued animals arrive with severe injuries, such as Rina the macaque, who had both arms amputated, or Trinity the gibbon, who lost limbs after being kept as a pet. Over 100 residents with disabilities, including blind macaques and crocodiles with damaged teeth, now call Ellis Park home.
The sanctuary, an extension of the Indonesian nonprofit JAAN (Jakarta Animal Aid Network), also focuses on educating the public about the cruelty inherent in the tourism and pet trades. Future plans include acquiring adjacent land to house larger animals like elephants, further expanding its capacity to care for vulnerable wildlife.
