Sumatra, Lampung, Way Kambas Natonal Park, Satwa Elephant Ecolodge
Way Kambas Natural Reserve and Elephant Training Centre is located about 130 km from Bandar Lampung. It is one of the oldest reserves in Indonesia, declared in 1937, and was upgraded to a national park in 1989. It was established to protect important freshwater and lowland rain forest flora and fauna in southern Sumatra. Despite its long standing as a nature reserve and increased protection in 1989, most of its land has been degraded by human interference (Scott 1994).Along with the Sumatra Rhino Sanctuary, it is the main attraction for local and international visitors. It covers an area of 1,280 square kilometres and showcases the various methods employed in taming wild elephants to undertake tasks – including in the logging industry. Elephants treks through the marshes and forests are offered accompanied by a mahout or trainer. Sumatra Rhino Sanctuary
is a professionally managed operation improving management for the Sumatran rhino husbandry in a more natural environment than city zoos. Each rhino has some 10 to 20 hectares of forest habitat, close to their normal conditions in their natural habitat. The SRS research program covers daily activities, type and nutrient content of food components, patterns of feeding activity, exploration activities, estrus cycle reproduction hormones, courtship and mating behaviour. Before the opening of the small scale (8 guest rooms) Satwa Sumatra Elephant Ecolodge in 2007, limited basic accommodation is offered to visitors and the attractions had catered mainly to the needs of local visitors. In 2007, as part of www.ecolodgesindonesia.com, increasing (but still small) numbers of international visitors are experiencing the natural attributes of Way Kambas National Park. Independent travelers are also making their way to the National Park.
[1] http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/im/im0157_full.html