Orangutan Specialist and RAW CEO Jess McKelson Will Led New Fundraising Tour In Sumatra, Indonesia

SYDNEY - July 12, 2016 - PRLog -- Today, Raw Wildlife Encounters (RAW) announces that Jess McKelson, CEO will be leading her first tour in almost 4 years, with this fundraising tour aiming to raise $3,000 for our conservation partners. This 7-day Sumatran Wildlife Fundraising Adventure, departing in October, takes RAW guests on an intimate tour through some of North Sumatra's (Indonesia) most beautiful regions, visiting local villages and their environments. After 13 years of working with local communities and building eco-tourism in the region of Tangakhan, McKelson is able to share, her knowledge and experience of not only this area but the wildlife that live within.

McKelson's intimate knowledge and experience of the wildlife in this area and in particular the highly endangered orangutans, is drawn from her 4 years as Quarantine Supervisor for the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP). In this role, she supervises all orphan orangutans from the time they were confiscated to the time they are released back into the wild, and is responsible for their pre-release training. McKelson is able to offer RAW guests, an exclusive opportunity the day before this tour begins, to bring guests to SOCP quarantine station and orangutan haven and see the work being done to save these endangered orangutans.

"I'm thrilled to lead this adventure and take RAW guests on my journey to witness wild Sumatran Orangutans and their habitat. I can't wait to share my experience and also include some amazing cultural experiences which are not always offered on tours." Says Jessica McKelson, Raw Wildlife Encounters CEO.

"This adventure combines wildlife conservation with community grass root conservation, and guests will witness what I fell in love with all those years ago here in Sumatra."We know our working collaboration with our conservation partners are able to show us where 100% of the funds are used, which builds trust and confidence in our guests when they visit.  Direct contribution and transparency enables us to do so much more."

As guests explore the Gunung Leuser National Park rainforest ecosystem, they'll discover that it's the only rainforest where Sumatran Tigers, Orangutans, Elephants and Rhinos co-exist together. There is also the exclusive opportunity to learn & participate about the conversation activities Raw Wildlife Encounters is supporting with local communities and partners to help protect their backyard environment.

Witness wild animals in their natural habitat, meet local communities and be immersed in the traditional culture. Bathe orphan elephants, river tube down beautiful rivers, explore the famous Bat Cave of Bukit Lawang, enjoy the hospitality of the local Karonese people, and get up close and personal encounters with the endangered Sumatran orangutans. This fun-filled, amazing tour is sure to satisfy RAW guests' adventurous spirit and encourage positive action when returning home.

The Sumatran Wildlife Fundraising Tour 7-day tour is normally $2,200 per person with 100% of funds raised donated directly to RAW's conservation partners. Book before 31^st July, 2016 and pay only $2,000 per person. Tour date: 10^th October, 2016. This is a small group tour with ten places available.

For more information see http://www.rawildlife.com.au/tour/sumatranwildlifeadventure  or email info@rawildlife.com.au  or call +61 408 360 890

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About Raw Wildlife Encounters

Raw Wildlife Encounters (RAW) excels at organising life-changing travel experiences and unique wildlife encounters.  RAW was named one of the Top 10 Eco-Tours in the world by BBC in 2015. Our small-group tours are led by qualified wildlife professionals who will take you along roads less well-travelled and allow you to experience truly incredible learning encounters with unique wildlife.  Raw Wildlife Encounters fosters responsible tourism that benefits the local people, environment and wildlife in all our travel destinations through our Community and Conservation Programs.

For more information   www.rawildlife.com.au  or visit: www.facebook.com/rawildlife