When I boarded my plane to Borneo, I was feeling lost. Lost
in the dragonfly program and lost in my career. My graduate studies so far had
expanded my horizons and challenged me, but I wasn’t sure it was the right fit
for me. I had my dream job, right? But I was overwhelmed and burnt out. I had
minimal relationships with the animals I worked with at Hogle Zoo. So when I
boarded my first flight to Hong Kong, it was with excitement but also
hesitation.
After our first day in Sepilok, I had high hopes this trip was going to be different. The instructors seemed amazing and far more laid back than my first trip and all my fellow students were incredible. It also helped that I was very interested in the subject matter. During our time at Danau Girang, I knew I was right. I loved how much we were able to shape our experience there and explore on our own. Getting to see what conducting actual field research is like was such an eye opening opportunity.
I was challenged in so many ways, but every challenge made me a better, stronger person. I left Danau Girang full of hope and focus on my graduate studies. I knew I chose the right graduate program, but I still wasn't sure if my career choice fit my life. I also left Danau Girang full of hesitation and fear. The homestay sounded like an awesome experience, but I was very worried about it. I feel immense awkwardness and anxiety in some social experiences, and I felt this would be the hardest social experience I've ever dealt with in my travels. The welcome party was beyond amazing. I couldn't believe how much welcoming us into their homes meant to them. It was such a humbling experience. Sure there were awkward conversations and miscommunications, but there was also making bracelets with the kids and getting to hear about how well respected HUTAN is by the locals.
Because of Hogle Zoo's work with HUTAN, I was slightly familiar with their work and lucky enough to have the opportunity to hear Marc talk about all their different programs. As I've continued to study conservation programs, community based conservation seems like the clear answer; however, many doubt that programs will be successful and often criticize community based conservation programs for assuming communities are homogenous (Robinson & Makupa, 2015). Although HUTAN was started by two outsiders, it's clear how well they have listened to and worked with the local community. They educated the community about why they should save certain animal species, but also listened to them and their needs. When talking to the community members, it's obvious why HUTAN's programs are successful. The community believes so strongly in what they and HUTAN are doing. HUTAN's direction is not dictated by the two founders, but the community as a whole. Seeing this incredibly successful community and organization was incredibly inspiring and reasserted my role as a zookeeper. It is possible for me to make a difference in the lives of the animals I work with and their wild counterparts. I may not have figured out my entire life's direction in Borneo (I wish!), but I left full of hope and certainty that I'm in the right place for me right now.
Robinson, L & Makupa, E. (2015) Using Analysis of Governance to Unpack Community Based Conservation: A Case Study in Tanzania, Environmental Management, 56, pp 1214-1227
