Written by Dr Sue Wiper – Programme Director Selamatkan Yaki

The Conservation Day at Dublin Zoo on July 26th, 2025, celebrating the critically endangered Macaca nigra – locally known in North Sulawesi as the ‘Yaki’, was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From the moment Vicky and I landed at Dublin Airport and were greeted by Andrew and Emma holding bright “Selamatkan Yaki” and “Save the Yaki” signs, we knew we were in for something truly special. What followed was a whirlwind of 36 hours filled with warmth, passion, and genuine collaboration. By the time we returned to the airport, exhausted yet exhilarated, myself and Vicky simply looked at each other and said, “Wow, that was incredible.” It was more than an event, it was a heartfelt celebration of partnership and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.

Homecoming for Vicky

An Evening of Stories and Inspiration

Our visit officially began on Friday evening with a presentation to members of the Dublin Zoo team and individuals from Ireland who share a passion for conservation. Vicky opened the evening by sharing the origins of Selamatkan Yaki, explaining how and why it was established, and highlighting the core principles that continue to guide our work today.

I then presented a four-minute video we had prepared in North Sulawesi, capturing the progress and milestones of Selamatkan Yaki over the past 17 years. This was followed by an overview of our current programs dedicated to safeguarding the charismatic Macaca nigra and its habitat.

We were honoured by the presence of many supportive attendees, including Christoph, the CEO of Dublin Zoo, whose encouragement and participation underscored the importance of collaboration in conservation efforts. His involvement was a true highlight of the evening.

The Run Begins

Saturday morning began early as we prepared for the 3km Fun Run around the zoo. From our window, we could hear cheerful chatter and laughter as members of the Indonesian and Irish Association busily prepared for the day. Outside, the scene was alive with colourful costumes, the enticing aroma of Indonesian food being prepared, and a contagious buzz of excitement as Indonesian culture came to life in Dublin Zoo.

Over 700 runners gathered at the starting line, creating an electric atmosphere of anticipation. Andrew officially opened the event with a heartfelt speech, followed by words from Vicky and myself. We were deeply honoured by the presence of Ibu Sahabatun Donatirin from the Indonesian Embassy in London, who spoke passionately about the urgent need to conserve the Yaki. The opening ceremony concluded with Tumpeng – a traditional rice-cutting ritual performed by the Indonesian and Irish Association, symbolically inaugurating the Dublin Zoo Run.

And then, we were off, 700 runners making their way through the scenic zoo grounds, cheered on by enthusiastic volunteers. Amidst the excitement, I had the honour of presenting a Selamatkan Yaki T-shirt to Ibu Sahabatun, which she proudly wore as we took photos with Christoph beneath the starting line banner. In all the excitement, Vicky and I nearly forgot to run ourselves! Once we set off, proudly donning our Selamatkan Yaki shirts, we caught up with Nora, Christoph’s wife, and enjoyed jogging together through the zoo.

The run was nothing short of spectacular. It began at the Macaca nigra islands, home to 17 of these remarkable monkeys living in habitats that beautifully replicate their natural environment. From there, the route took us past giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, gorillas, and many more of the zoo’s incredible residents. Along the way, zoo staff and volunteers created a vibrant atmosphere, cheering runners on and fostering a true sense of unity and celebration.

Crossing the finish line was a moment of immense pride. Each runner received a medal handcrafted from recycled wood and coconut shell made by Manado Ecocrafts, a local enterprise in North Sulawesi founded by Henry Johanis. Every medal was individually crafted, with many in his village came together to ensure that each participant took home a unique piece of North Sulawesi’s craftsmanship. It was a small but powerful showcase of the talent and heart of Sulawesi’s communities, now shining on an international stage.

Celebrating Culture and Partnership

After the run, we joined the vibrant celebrations hosted by the Indonesian and Irish Association. They sang, danced, and shared their culture with joy and generosity. The traditional food prepared for the Dublin Zoo team was absolutely delicious, and it was heartwarming to see families from across Ireland embracing Indonesia’s rich culture while supporting vital wildlife and forest conservation efforts.

A particularly significant moment followed as we gathered for official photos to announce a major milestone: Dublin Zoo has officially become Selamatkan Yaki’s primary donor. This ongoing partnership is not only a celebration of financial support but, more importantly, a recognition of Dublin Zoo’s invaluable expertise, extensive network, and unwavering commitment to our shared mission. Their support strengthens our ability to engage with local communities, schools, and governments, amplifying the impact of our conservation efforts. As Vicky, Christoph, Andrew, and I walked together reflecting on this collaboration, it was clear that united, we are far stronger—our collective efforts magnified through partnership.

We were then given a personal tour of the zoo by Eddie who had worked with Vicky over 25 years ago. It was wonderful to see old connections rekindled and to witness the passion every staff member had for conservation. Everyone we met was enthusiastic about the program, genuinely proud to be supporting our mission, and it felt as though we were being embraced by an entire zoo family, celebrating this journey with us.

Being part of such a special day is a privilege we will carry with us forever. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and spirit to make it such a memorable occasion. A very special thank you to Andrew and Emma—your dedication behind the scenes made everything look seamless, though we know how much hard work it took to create such a remarkable event. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

I’m now back in North Sulawesi, our team has seen the photos, heard the stories, and the entire office is alive with renewed pride and enthusiasm. We feel privileged knowing that Dublin Zoo and the people of Ireland stand with us in the fight to Save the Yaki.