In the Sikulaping Protected Forest of Sumatra, four men from different corners of the globe came together with one thing in common: a love of trees. Tony, Marcus, Geoff, and Andy, the Sawpod trainers, brought decades of arboriculture experience, a few climbing ropes, and a belief that people really can make a difference in the forest.
Sawpod delivered effective tree climbing training for our frontline partners, TaHuKah. This training has bolstered TaHuKah’s capacity. They will now be able to install canopy bridges to help orangutans and other wildlife move safely across fragmented forest, and check camera trap footage to monitor wildlife presence, behaviour, and potential threats.
Sawpod is known for innovating gear that makes climbing simpler, and is driven by the simple philosophy: “developed by arborists, for arborists.” In Sumatra, this commitment came in two forms: capacity building through hands-on training and essential equipment to support TaHuKah’s conservation work.
Tony, alongside his wife Di, is the founder of Sawpod. He has devoted his life to arboriculture and is living proof that the bond with trees can last a lifetime. Watching him ascend a towering tree, ropes in hand, you can’t help but feel he’s doing exactly what he was born to do. Every knot he ties, every rope he handles, is a lesson in safety, skill, and respect for the forest. And if he ever says “trust the rope,” believe him, you’ll be hanging off a branch before you know it.
Marcus, Tony’s nephew, flew in from Australia and immediately became the calm in the canopy storm. Patient, precise, and quietly brilliant at bridging the energy between Tony and the participants, Marcus makes sure everyone leaves not just a little taller (thanks to the trees) but a lot more confident.
Geoff came all the way from Canada with a backpack full of curiosity. His eyes lit up at every bird call, every rustle in the leaves, and he somehow made that excitement infectious. Whether you’re learning a tricky climb or spotting wildlife, Geoff’s energy makes you feel like every session is a small adventure.
Andy is the joker of the group…but don’t let that fool you! Beneath the laughter is a mentor who notices every detail, guides every knot, and checks every harness with care. He has a way of making you feel safe in the canopy, even when your legs are screaming.
The following days settled into rhythm, as if the tall trees themselves had written the schedule. Each morning, Tony explained a new technique and its tools. Soon after, participants took turns trying while Marcus and Geoff offered quick corrections.
Laughter surfaced: pride at reaching a branch, a congratulatory pat on the shoulder from Andy. In the afternoons, new techniques again. Though tired, participants kept their eyes fixed on Tony. They knew each knot could mean the difference between safety and disaster.
One by one, the TaHuKah team climbed with greater confidence. Knots tied faster, carabiners clicked firm, communication between climber and ground team flowed smoother.
Sumatran forests are home to some of the world’s most endangered species, such as orangutans, tigers and elephants. By bringing Sawpod to work with the TaHuKah team, we combine technical climbing skills with forest stewardship. Participants leave not just knowing how to tie a proper knot, but understanding how to care for the forest and protect the wildlife that calls it home.
And then there’s the TaHuKah team, the real heroes on the ground. They are a team of ecologists, anthropologists, guides and community rangers, who know every trail, every animal call, and every patch of fragile forest like the back of their hand. Without them, none of this would be possible.
Now, thanks to this training, the TaHuKah team can take their skills even further: working higher, safer, and more effectively, turning tree climbing into real, measurable conservation impact. Every knot tied, every climb completed and every laugh strengthens both people and forest.
Learn more about how our partners are supporting our work in Sumatra. If you would like to explore ways your business could support orangutan conservation, please get in touch with our Corporate Partnerships Manager, Emma.
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