The Rainforest, the Tropical Rainforest!

Antonia has been exploring the rainforest! 

Led by two guides from Indonesia named Darma and Dadi, Antonia is exploring the "Hidden Paradise in Sumatra" of Tangkahan.  Take a look at this eco-tourism site describing Tangkahan.  Tangkahan is a small village on the border of Gunung Leuser National Park located in North Sumatra.  It is situated at the junction of two rivers, the Buluh River and the Batang River.   On their very wet and humid hikes they have spotted semi-wild elephants, short and long tail macaques and heard siamangs!  Here are some pics from the rainforest:

Antonia and Dina (from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo).

It seems like Palm trees and the rainforest co-exist.  Although, unfortunately oil palm trees absorb most of the water about 25 liters per oil palm.

Can you see the long-tailed macaque?

Near Tangkahan in Sumatra.

Leeches!  Yes they are real and yes Antonia had to pull some off of her!

The fruit that we saw Antonia with in the last blog, the stinky durian fruit, well I had the chance to ask if she tried it.  The local people and orangutans love the fruit and Antonia described it as very tasty although the taste stays with you for a while.  A lot of hotels there do not permit you to bring durians inside because they smell like "rotten potatoes and poop".  Hmm I think I will pass! 

It looks like Antonia is getting into the heart of the rainforest and viewing the destruction palm oil plantations have on the overall rainforest ecosystem.  I know she will not only be witnessing the destruction but also will be visiting areas of habitat recovery.  I am curious to see the devastation of the plantations but also to see if the areas of recovery are coming back alive.  I look forward to hear and see more from Antonia! 

A sing along side note:  At the El Paso Zoo we have a Rainforest curriculum class that we present to schools and groups to educate people about the importance of the rainforest and how we can protect it.  In the program we sometimes play the "Rainforest Rap" a quirky, informative and catchy song.  Well, Antonia said she has been singing the song while out on her hikes in the actual rainforest!  Click here to listen to the song and catch on!

Naima
Education Specialist