Positive Achievements in Bali

In the first three months of 2024, we have achieved much at the Umah Lumba Center, in Bali, Indonesia.

Education is fun at our free school

At the Karimun Jawa Education Center in West Bali, students learn the importance of marine conservation. Credit: DolphinProject.com

At our free school, daily classes have started for the local children of the village. Here, kids come to learn English and engage in environmental studies and marine conservation. Our community learning school teaches children why they should care about nature, and the connection between the natural world, people and animals.

Tree planting for coastal restoration

Kids plant mangrove seedlings to assist in coastal restoration, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

We also planted mangrove seedlings with our students, along with visiting students from a primary school in Denpasar. Upwards of 4000 mangrove seedlings have already been planted this year, with a goal of planting 10,000 seedlings by year’s end. Our commitment to growing the trees doesn’t stop there. After planting, the trees need care, and are checked on a weekly basis. After a period of three months, we can see which seedlings will grow into healthy trees, and which ones will not.

Mangroves are vital for the protection of our coastline, which sadly, is damaged at many parts around Umah Lumba due to illegal logging and fence building for shrimp farms. In the area adjacent to the Bali National Park, approximately 353 hectares of mangrove forests were destroyed in the creation of shrimp farms thirty years ago. However, with the majority of the farms no longer in existence, these areas of the coastline can be restored. We are proud to call the local community our partners as we work to plant mangrove forests and help heal these natural areas.

Sea turtle confiscation and rehabilitation

Rescued green sea turtles, Umah Lumba Center, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

At the end of March, several endangered green sea turtles were confiscated in the Denpasar area. Immediately, our team travelled to assist with the medical check-up and care for the turtles, which were all destined for the illegal meat trade in Bali. The turtles, weighing approximately 80 kilograms were illegally taken by poachers from other islands, and then brought to Bali for consumption.

Two turtles were released after their medicals were completed, as they had eggs inside. The other turtles are still being treated for puncture wounds in their flippers made by the poachers, and will be released in the near future. An arrest was made and this trader is awaiting a court case, with a maximum punishment up to five years in prison, according to the Indonesian Biodiversity Law #5/1990.

Primate rehabilitation

Primates who have suffered from severe mistreatment receive veterinary care, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

We are currently caring for 17 rescued primates, who have all suffered from a horrific past of being chained, caged and traumatized. Our treatment plan is to socialize them back in groups and if possible, release them back to the forests.

Companion animal veterinary care

Companion animals receive vaccinations and other veterinary care at our free clinic, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Our team continues to sterilize dogs and cats in the village, free of charge. We also provide free deworming and vaccinations with a goal of encouraging the local community to care more about the health and well-being of their companion animals. Sadly, people still dump puppies and kittens irresponsibly. Recently, we found four puppies in the bushes in West Bali. With their eyes still closed, somehow, they managed to crawl outside of a plastic bag. Our team worked around the clock to nurse them back to health, feeding the tiny mammals with puppy milk every two hours.

We rescued another small dog who we named “Bambi” as she looked like a little deer. The animal had a chain growing inside her mouth and neck, with the links deeply embedded inside her skin. Post-surgery, we are happy to share that she is doing great and looking for her forever home.

Please consider making a donation to help support our work in Bali, Indonesia. Your support is greatly appreciated!