In Sumatra, the northern-most island of Indonesia, the significant reduction of forests and a threefold increase in the human population over the last two decades have placed Sumatran Asian elephant populations in jeopardy, evidenced by the escalation of conflicts between elephants and humans.

Elephants that wander into human settlements are often relocated to conservation centers in Sumatra. In fact, more than 700 elephants have been relocated to these centers. However, insufficient knowledge and funding have resulted in a serious lack of food and care for the elephants, resulting in many losses.

In response, the IEF has funded and organized a number of trips to the Sumatran Elephant Conservation Centers (ECC) to deliver medical supplies and provide training. IEF elephant experts and veterinarians share information with the staff at the conservation centers on captive elephant husbandry and health care in an effort to make long-term positive changes in the lives of the elephants at the centers; and to protect this important meta population while the Government of Indonesia develops programs for habitat protection and the future of the wild and captive Sumatran Asian elephant.

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