# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DXH4FXhjntM
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/63927885-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/886436623b.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-04-14T19:01:36.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

Daily Diary: "On the Ground in #Sumatra" 🌳🇮🇩

“For our team, meaningful conservation work here started with something as simple, and as demanding, as building a fence 🪚

Working alongside our partners at the sumatranrangerproject and since arriving, we have been deeply involved in constructing protective corrals for local farmers. The process is anything but easy. It begins with sourcing the right bamboo: strong, straight, and abundant enough to form the backbone of a sturdy habitat for cows. We ventured out to locate and harvest it, then haul it back by hand, piece by piece, through dense terrain and extremely humid conditions.

Once the bamboo arrived on site, the real labour began! Holes were carefully dug into the earth, each one measured and spaced to ensure the structure will stand firm. Posts were set, aligned, and secured, and then the bamboo was methodically lined up and fastened into place, forming a solid wall that will soon serve a critical purpose.

This fencing does more than just define a boundary, it creates safety on both sides. The tightly constructed bamboo keeps local cows securely inside the corral at night, while reinforced barbed wire along the exterior acts as a deterrent to Sumatran tigers. These big cats are powerful nocturnal hunters, and without protection, livestock can become easy targets. By preventing these encounters, the corrals help reduce conflict between people and wildlife, protecting farmers’ livelihoods while also safeguarding the tigers.

After days of hard work, the final and most rewarding moment arrives. We recently handed over the completed corral to the local farmers, marking not just the end of construction, but the beginning of a safer future. That first evening, as the cows are gently guided into their habitat for the night, there was a shared sense of accomplishment.

From then on, the routine is simple but effective: cows are protected inside the corral overnight, when tigers are most active, and released during the day to graze freely. It’s a practical solution built through collaboration, effort, and trust - one that supports both communities and conservation.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,795
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- **Comments:** 3

## Tags

sumatra

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