Raw Wildlife Encounters

28/09/2024

HAPPY SUNDAY! Thank you to everyone who has supported me in raising money for Orangutan Haven. I was able to raise a little bit extra, which is helping support the rabies and dog vaccination program around the Orangutan Haven and Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) Quarantine facility with Yenny Saraswati, the Head Vet.
I have also been able to support the Bukit Lawang Trust dental hygiene program for 42 kindergarten kids living on the border of the Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser.
Today is my last campaign day, so any further funds will help strengthen these programs.
Donate: https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera-sumatran-ranger-program

I return with Raw Conservation Adventure in October with Peter Fogarty Photography, hosting an epic adventure into North Sumatra, a place very close to my heart. If you want to go away and join in 2025, then check out the programs here: https://www.rawconservation.com/

A big thank you to all my supporters, friends and family. It means the world to me to be able to represent your donation in a positive and meaningful way.
A shout-out to Paul Bailey and his network for supporting the dog programs with supplies and donations.
I will return with an update on how your efforts have made a meaningful difference.

Reach out if you want to get directly involved.

Photos - Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari, Ian Singleton, Jessica McKelson

20/09/2024

https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera

Leuser the orangutan in his Orangutan Haven. A massive thank you to everyone who has donated to the camera and the cause. Leuser and the other orangutans will benefit from this tool.
I am about to close this campaign soon and any additional funds above the goal for the Haven and Staff will be greatly appreciated.

I am excited to get over and also support the on-ground work from Sumatran Ranger Project. Tents and bags are majorly needed for their buffer-zone border patrols. Approximately $1,200 extra is needed to reboot with large backpacks and 4 x tents.
Any additional funds will be allocated to this important project.
Once again, everyone will witness the amazing efforts when you follow the page.
Final donations: Every cent matters and builds capacity for local community livelihoods, conservation of wilderness bufferzone areas and orangutans of course!
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera

08/09/2024

Thank you to everyone who has donated and helped me reach my target $3,500 for the Orangutan Haven. I am overwhelmed with the level of support to make a positive difference. I will return in October and then can share the sanctuary and the camera donation with everyone who has helped me reach this target. More importantly, its these orangutans who can never be released back to the wild due to injury or illness, that benefit the most.
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera

If you still want to make a small contribution, I will be donating any further funds to the Bukit Lawang Trust for some facepaint and scissors at the local education centre.

Happy Sunday and THANK YOU. Bring on October ...🦧🦧🦧

Photos- Jessica McKelson & Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari

02/09/2024

Happy International Primate Day. A day dedicated to our cousins. I am hoping you can help me reach my target of $3,000 today. Only $131 to get to this result!
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera

Meet Dek Nong, a sassy and spirited female who is a candidate for the Orangutan Haven. Dek Nong was first found in 2007 and since 2009 has lived at the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program. She suffered a form of creeping paralysis resulting in the loss of full use of her arms and legs. Fortunately, she has been successful with good treatment. The paralysis has for some time been relieved and to date has not come back, meaning she has almost full use of both her arms and legs. Unfortunately, Dek Nong cannot be released back into the wild due to her condition however, and now resides at the Orangutan Haven.
Thank you to everyone who has donated to date. I am almost there. A further $631 to reach my final target of $3,500. If you can help me reach my target today, then I only have a little way to go. I appreciate everyone's generosity and really want to make sure the equipment I get is going to be quality so it can withstand the humidity, as well as provide excellent results for the project and animal welfare.
Please share widely.

Thanks!

Images: Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari & Ian Singleton

28/08/2024

Meet Lewis! Lewis was captured and rescued from a human-wildlife conflict incident in 2016, after he was shot at by local farmers. He is blind as a result of his injuries. Lewis now resides at the Orangutan Haven in a sanctuary where he is cared for permanently.
Today I have raised $2,719 towards my campaign to raise funds for a video camera for this project.
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera

This tool is vital to help support the behind-the-scenes welfare for 6 orangutans, as well as amplify this project as a live educational example focusing on human wildlife conflict. I am ALMOST at my final goal. I am asking if you can donate the cost of a coffee towards my cause, this would be great. Only $781 to go! Please help me with the final efforts
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera

A massive shout out and thank you to everyone who has supported me to date. I am blown away with your generosity and determined to reach this final goal. I also cannot wait to visit this project and reunite with the teams in October, then return showcasing your support.
Photo: Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari & Ian Singleton

25/08/2024

A massive thank you to everyone who has helped donate towards my cause and support the efforts to reach 1/2 way by the end of the week. I am blown away from the generosity and trust. With only $1,215 to go, I have almost reached my target to purchase a video camera tool that will help the Orangutan Haven monitor the orangutans and improve animal welfare, whilst raising further support for the project operations.
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera

Below are photos of 'Fazhren', a permanent orangutan who cannot be released due to being so humanised. He will eventually also be a candidate to the orangutan sanctuary, as they continue to progress this project. Those who have met, worked and spent time with Fazhren all know him as a sweetheart and a big softy. Honestly one of the most handsome Sumatran orangutans I have spent time with. I hope he will find his home in the future at the Haven.

I can stop being annoying and requesting further support once I reach my target. If you have any spare change ($5 and above) that can help me reach this final stage, it will be awesome. I can then get on to informing Ian Singleton to purchase this equipment in Indonesia.
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera

On behalf of the Orangutan Haven staff and orangutans, Fazhren (below) and myself - THANK YOU for helping me reach my milestone of 1/2 way.

Photos: Jessica McKelson

22/08/2024

$265 to go and I am halfway in reaching my fundraising target.
A small donation can go a long way. I have had $130 donated direct in $. If you had a few $ to help me reach my target this would be greatly appreciated. I am stoked to get this far and I know how important this tool is for the projects ongoing progress.
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera

I found some photos from10 YEARS ago when we commenced this project vision. Back in the day with Ian Singleton and Suherry Aprianto surveying and looking at the Orangutan Haven land. This was purchased for orangutans that cannot be released back to the wild, like 'Dek Nong' pictured below. At the time the vast swamp was designated for the Orangutan Haven islands.
10 years later this vision has become a reality thanks to the hard work of Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari & Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP).

Today 'Dek Nong' is now on her island living her best life (Photo 5 courtesy of Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari).

A big shout out to everyone who has been over, seen the vision and supported me to date.

DONATE:
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/350609/orangutan-haven-camera

20/08/2024

Only $400 away and I have reached 1/2 my goal for Orangutan Haven. Can you help me by the end of this month?
If you could support me with a small donation towards this important and POSITIVE orangutan sanctuary for 6x 🦧 that would be amazing.
Thank you to everyone who has supported myself and Ian Singleton to date.

https://www.mycause.com.au/page/350609/orangutan-haven-camera?popup=1&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3IRLghbwnLUMnCiGy5Ru9F1pwT86RZkm7ZXmDBdrabaVUUpTCyPWU08j0_aem_E3RqeqjIMxQHfZkwClP9Ag

Hi everyone, I am heading to Sumatra in October to catch up with my old work friends and orangutans at the Orangutan Haven. This place holds special meaning for me. I used to work with some of the ora

18/08/2024

Hi everyone,
It has been a while and hope you are still travelling and experiencing our beautiful planet. For all our ex-travelers who visited the North Sumatra Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) and the Earth 4 Orangutans tours, we have a really special fundraiser which we hope you can help us reach our target.
We are aiming to raise enough funds for a specific camera that can help with the orangutans welfare, the projects storytelling and setting up for behind-the-scenes video footage.
If you have a few $ to donate, this will be awesome. Jess McKelson is returning in October and will come back to every donor with a special video and evidence of the purchase at the project. Along with amazing footage of the Orangutan Haven.
Click here:
https://www.mycause.com.au/page/350609/orangutan-haven-camera?popup=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawEuI0dleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHR6wBu7QFPC13LpGS0Plpv62nyA0vY-X9FyNi9LTflRBB56PQ_YIEKSAGw_aem_VkdvBg_NtgjK2nCqaxpO8Q

If you are interested in traveling to witness the Orangutan Haven and get involved, then make sure you check out the 2025 tours here: www.rawconservation.com

I will be in touch with some epic transitions to Raw Wildlife Encounters soon which I hope you can join me. Stay in touch.
I would love to hear from all of you and what you have been up too.
Thanks for being amazing supporters both personally and with everything pre-COVID.

Regards
Jess

Hi everyone, I am heading to Sumatra in October to catch up with my old work friends and orangutans at the Orangutan Haven. This place holds special meaning for me. I used to work with some of the ora

06/11/2023

Hi Raw family, Jess and Amy here. It's been a long time since the world changed forever. Since Covid forced the closure of Raw Wildlife Encounters we have been working together to figure out a new way forward to provide passionate travellers with meaningful adventure opportunities in North Sumatra. In keeping with our passion to support ethical conservation and community programmes a new adventure is starting - Raw Conservation Adventures. It's early days but we invite you to take a look at the website and share it with your wanderlust loving friends and family. We will be focussing on field trips and expeditions that connect travellers with projects making a real difference to wildlife and people and invite you to be a part of the meaningful travel community when you're ready. We will be growing the adventure offerings as we connect with ethical programmes that prioritize animal welfare, conservation, and community support. We can't wait for you to experience a new Raw way to travel. Find out more at www.rawconservation.com or find us on Instagram .conservation

We are still working on setting up the payment gateway and email so for the time being please send all enquiries to [email protected]

27/04/2023

Sunrise 📷 one of the best ways to wake up to our magnificent world and capture its morning beauty.
Where is your best sunrise or sunset location? Feel free to share.
Photo: Uluṟu, Central Australia

19/04/2023

If you had to go to the edge of 🌏 , where would you choose?

Photo: Mongolia 🇲🇳

20/10/2020

Dr Ian Singleton OBE from Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) has been acknowledged by the Queen. We are thrilled to support SOCP in the past with many tours that helped secure significant funding for priority programs and lots of supplies for the orangutan quarantine centre.
We encourage you to join a live presentation with Ian Singleton on the 7th November. You must register here: https://gf.me/u/y5gvyk
It will also be recorded and you have the opportunity to ask questions as well.
We hope you can make this unique presentation. Let us know if you are joining!

Ian Singleton, the cofounder of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP), has been bestowed the highly esteemed Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Britain's Queen Elizabeth for his notable contributions to environmental conservation throughout his career.

20/10/2020

We are so humbled by your support to help us fund 1 year of salaries to key communities. The kind words and support is overwhelming.
Can you help us make $1,200 before the end of the week? We have reached $750 which is an awesome start to providing alternative livelihood income, rather than illegal logging and poaching.

We have an ambitious goal to make $10,000 ,but we know times are tough for everyone.
$1,200 will provide 6 months salary to 1 out of 3 communities we want to support. If we reach this at the end of the week then that is a MASSIVE achievement and we can send this over immediately for urgent relief.
Donte to our crisis funds here: https://gf.me/u/y4fz28

Thank you all for your constant thoughts.

19/10/2020

REGISTER NOW:
https://gf.me/u/y5gvyk
I am SUPER excited to be hosting and launching our new presentation series that focuses on introducing you to frontline conservation and community professionals, that will open up and express what motivates them to keep going in uncertain times.
I know I have compassion fatigue and wonder what I can do from home? For myself and supporting our world to be a brighter future.

You are invited to a special presentation by Dr Ian Singleton OBE, who will be discussing how he continues to work and thrive in a challenging and complex world of conservation in Sumatra, Indonesia. Ian's motto 'keep putting one foot in front of the other' resonates with him on a daily basis. Ian is quoted "..If you don’t do it you will never achieve any goals. If you do...... there’s no limit to where you can get to... "
This presentation will open up the world Ian is involved with, the challenges he faces and what gets him out of bed each day to continue the fight to save orangutans and the environment.

As Founder and Director of Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) Ian's dedication to orangutan conservation has been recognised on the Queen's Birthday Honours list for 2020 and we are delighted to hear directly from Ian about his next steps into the future and how has thrown a more complex challenge for Great Ape existence.

We also are extremely excited to have Rachel Anastasi join us and help us reflect on some teachings following the presentation. Rachel Anastasi is a life coach, NLP practitioner, psychosomatic therapist, author, speaker and teacher. With over sixteen years of experience working with people to achieve transformational results by teaching them how to use their brains, bodies and energy to help support who they want to be in life and more.

Jungle Sistas welcome you to join the presentation, where you also have the exclusive opportunity to ask questions and provide you with a personal and deep insight into the conservation happenings by leading experts around the world.

Funds raised from our presentation series will all go towards each guest speakers nominated choice program to help support the work they do during a time of uncertainty.

Donate $25 to attend and a special link will be emailed to you to connect on the event.
We look forward to hosting you and introducing you to a world of incredible people and causes, teachings and motivational opportunities to act upon.
This event will also be pre recorded and will be open for you to ask questions you may have if you cannot attend to the guest speaker.

REGISTER NOW:
https://gf.me/u/y5gvyk
Directly FM message me for any questions you may have!
1 hour presentation forum where Q+A will be included
This will also be recorded live for our international supporters who also want to listen and be involved! PM me for this info on how to go about receiving the live recording.

19/10/2020

Thank you everyone for your kind words. If you have any small support to give to help us reach some of our target then please help us. We really want to provide for these communities during the toughest times.
A big thank you to those who have donated. We have reach $600 and we still have along way to go. We will be forever grateful for this support

https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-remote-communities-impacted-by-covid?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet

Our Indonesian staff, friends and travel partners are severely impacted by … Jessica McKelson needs your support for Supporting remote Indonesian communities

12/10/2020

A big thank you to ALice Wilson, JD and Lou Pardi for your generous donations. We are $550 into the fundraiser and this covers 1 month of salaries and support.
If you have any $ on a small level to help us, please have a look and contribute to our last fundraiser for the people an environment.
We understand how challenging it is for these communities to be going through covid with zero income from tourism initiatives.
Additional hardshift for remote communities on fringe forests, where illegal logging can be so enticing as an income.
I really appreciate any support and so do the wonderful communities in North Sumatra.

Donate here if you are wanting to help support our last goal and farewell: gf.me/u/y4fwpk

11/10/2020

gf.me/u/y4fwpk
Thank you all for your generous words and support as we close down the business. I am hoping I can reach out to you and support our communities that are struggling and doing it tough due to lack of tourism.
Its a big ask, but any donation will help our friends and travel companions during the next 6-12 months.
Please share and help us reach this last goal. I really want to leave an everlasting impact especially during the toughest times where complete livelihoods are lost.

Stay tuned for my personal blog that will respond to your comments and words and how I ended up closing down.
Forever love and travel memories. Stay safe
Jess x

Our Indonesian staff, friends and travel partners are severely impacted by … Jessica McKelson needs your support for Supporting remote Indonesian communities

05/10/2020

05/10/2020

Its heartbreaking to write this post, but since the start of Covid-19, we have tried to remain positive and optimistic for future travel, but it seems there will be no international travel opening within the near future.
Unfortunately we have come to the only point in our journey to close down the business. We can no longer afford to remain open and are so disappointed we cannot continue to provide our guests with outstanding, life changing experiences.
It has been 1 decade (10yrs) since operating and we are gutted that we are unable to keep our grassroot travel programs, that support local communities and travel operators on ground and our conservation partners where over $1million has gone back into priority needs, GOING.

We would like to thank everyone who has travelled with us to Indonesia, Africa, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. We hope that your travel adventure opened your eyes to fantastic off the beaten places and provided you with travel stories and memories that will remain forever.

From the Founder, Jess McKelson:
As founder of Raw Wildlife Encounters, I have never been so proud to see this business contribute so much and provide everyone with positive stories and outcomes. It really has pained me to close down, but I am confident in the future I will continue to support the places I fell in love with from day one, and travel once we are safe to do so.
"Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell." ~ Paula Bendfelt

If you have traveled with us before, please post a photo and some words to remind us of your great experience!

06/05/2020

Raw guests are generous guests! Due to the pandemic and associated travel restrictions and shut down of international travel and local services, our volunteer group bound for Orangutan Haven at the end of March has had to be postponed. This was devastating for all the volunteers and group leader Amy, all of whom have been working tirelessly to fund raise for this very special place. Rather than dwell on unfortunate circumstances, this group has been very generous in unanimously supporting us sending their fundraising to date over to Sumatra where it is very much needed now. A total of $3250(aus) was raised, with more to come in the future. Fundraising will continue when we know more about when we can travel safely again but for now we are very happy to be able to send support their way at such a tough time. Thank you so much to our amazing Orangutan Haven group - we are very much looking forward to seeing you on the ground in North Sumatra when it is safe and open to travelers. Thank you also to everyone who donated to their efforts to help these very deserving orangutans. The Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) developing the Orangutan Haven site have expressed their sincere thanks and gratitude to us all.

27/03/2020

"Ebola, for example­—a hemorrhagic fever that affects both humans and great apes—has led to mortality rates of up to 95 per cent in gorillas; and calculations indicate that some of those populations will need more than 130 years to recover. Contraction of SARS-CoV-2 would add to these challenges...."

Great interview piece with Johannes Refisch, United Nations Great Apes Survival Partnership Programme, Manager and Coordinator

UN Environment Programme

Interview with Johannes Refisch, United Nations Great Apes Survival Partnership Programme, Manager and Coordinator

25/03/2020

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: Uganda suspends primate tourism through April 30, 2020. Official details Uganda Wildlife Authority

Photo by Skyler Bishop for Gorilla Doctors, Uganda 2019.

21/03/2020

HAPPY SUNDAY! Ring tailed lemurs on our recent Before Extinction Adventure into Africa and Madagascar.
Now our travel is currently postponed UFN, we are working hard on preparing the ultimate Madagascan primate, community and landscape adventure for 2021/2022.
It will be our next Before Extinction adventure, where we will witness some of the worlds most Critically Endangered primates.

Curious? then stay tuned for more..
Partnering with RAW Africa Ecotours for this new and exciting adventure. Something we can all look forward too once the world is safe to travel again.

Photo: Jess McKelson

20/03/2020

For all New Zealand Raw travelers, please note the Government has issued the following traveling warning:
Do Not Travel Overseas At This Time
We now advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the outbreak of COVID-19, associated health risks and travel restrictions.

We have worked hard to secure a credit note with our Indonesian travel partners for our upcoming March, April tours. Please we ask you to remain safe, supportive and understanding as this global pandemic unfolds.

Find out more:
https://safetravel.govt.nz/covid-19-coronavirus -context=covid-19-coronavirus

ALERT - COVID-19 - AVOID ALL NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL OVERSEAS - We urge New Zealanders currently travelling overseas to consider returning home while commercial options remain available....Read more