Taronga Zoo has been recognised for its support of wildlife conservation projects in Sumatra by Leif Cocks, President and founder of The Orangutan Project.Mr Cocks made a presentation to the zoo last week in recognition of its dedicated support of the Wildlife Protection Unit in Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, Sumatra.“Thanks to the support from Taronga Zoo, we are able to continue our vital work in Sumatra in order to protect over 150 orangutans that have been released into the Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem and the five elephant herds that are also monitored in this region,” said Mr Cocks.Bukit Tigapuluh is a critical habitat for global tiger survival, as well as the Sumatran Elephant and the Sumatran Rhino. The conservation partnership has been instrumental in reducing illegal logging and poaching in the area.Taronga has committed to long term support of Wildlife Protection Units in this valuable habitat.The units are responsible for educating local people about laws against poaching orangutans, gathering information about illegal activities and reporting these to the Forestry Police, and collecting wildlife data as an evaluation tool for ecosystem conditions.For further information about the Orangutan Project visit: www.orangutan.org.au