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Abandoned well closure project

When Way Kambas National Park was established in 1984, communities were relocated out of the park, leaving behind wells, which have proven to be a deadly trap for the wild animals.

Wild elephants and other animals are very active in the area between the rain forest  and the deep Braja swamp.  This area is dense with wells and juvenile elephants are the most common animals found trapped.   Also the bones of the severely endangered Sumatran rhinoceros and Sumatran tiger have been found in the wells.

Over the last 12 months 5 juvenile elephants have been found alive trapped in wells.  These were rescued.  Two have been released and returned to their family, one is being raised at the Elephant Conservation Centre at Way Kambas and 2 have died of subsequent complications to their injuries.  It is estimated that 300 elephants may have died in these wells since 1984.

The National Park is provided with no funds for well closure and is now facing a 30% funding reduction from Jakarta.

Claire Oelrichs, a Veterinary surgeon and Conservation Coordinator for the Ecolodges Indonesia Wildlife Rescue Fund, is working with Mr Sukatmoko (National Park staff) to employ field assistants to locate and close wells.

With the support of the Park director, money will be paid direct to workers as a wage by the coordinator Mr Sukatmoko, by-passing the National Park office.  The project will be overseen by Claire Oelrichs, from Australia with support by Donny Gunaryadi, WCS Indonesia, and Dr Andri, Sumatran Rhinoceros Sanctuary.  Accounting and money handling will be arranged free of charge by the  International Indonesian Rural and Agriculture Development Foundation (INIRADEF).  There will be no administration charges.