Dear Alex, Ajf Cross De Chavannes, Caroline, Derek, Jill, J Fernandez Castano, Jas, Miss Green, S Marriott, Chris, Mrs Ferguson, Helen and Tamsin

Thanks to you we have trained two guides, Herianto and Wisnu, to understand the forest, its wildlife and the associated conservation issues and they are now passing their knowledge on to visitors as well as their local communities, making this an exemplary site of community-based ecotourism. Click on the video above to hear a very personal thank you from me, Helen Buckland, UK Director at SOS.

Let me also introduce you to the guides you've trained:

Herianto Ginting is 30 years old and has been a guide for over ten years. Herianto says:
"Because of the training I can get something new that can be developed to increase my capacity as a guide. In the training I can also share my experiences with fellow guides. The training is very supportive of my profession, and I hope will make our guides in Bukit Lawang to be better guides."

Wisnu Irawan is 26 years old and has been a guide for around three years. Wisnu says: "The training provides very useful information for me to develop services for visitors to Bukit Lawang. From this training I also now understand that ecotourism should provide benefits to all parties especially the local society around Bukit Lawang. The national park and the orangutans are assets that must be protected for our children and our grandchildren in the future."

The support you have provided means that tourists can enjoy the forest and its wildlife, whilst preserving the safety and habitat of the king of the swingers for generations to come.

Thanks again - and please help us spread the word by using the sharing tools on this page...

Helen Buckland, UK Director, Sumatran Orangutan Society

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