Sumatran Orangutans and the Real Value of Ecotourism

Sumatran orangutans have given me some of the most meaningful moments of my life—quiet mornings in the forest, the soft crunch of leaves as a mother shifts her weight on a branch, the indescribable feeling of being watched with a mix of curiosity and caution by an animal that shares so much of our story.

But beyond the pull and the privilege of spending time with them, orangutans also create very real, very measurable value—value that directly supports their protection.

A photographer takes a photo of a wild orangutan in Sumatra

This is a guest blog from SOS Ambassador Zac Mills, The Wildlife Collective.

The power of ecotourism

When we talk about protecting orangutans, we often zoom in on habitat loss and fragmentation, and the relentless pressure on their remaining forests. But conservation isn’t only about stopping threats. It’s also about building strong, local incentives for these incredible apes to survive and thrive. And this is where ecotourism becomes such a powerful force.

Responsible tourism brings money into communities that live alongside orangutans. It creates jobs as guides, porters, rangers, cooks, homestay owners, drivers—entire local economies that grow because people want to see these great apes in the wild. When local people earn a steady, reliable income from keeping the forest intact, the value of a living orangutan becomes far greater than any alternative.

I’ve seen this firsthand in Sumatra. When travelers show up, respectfully, eager to learn, excited to witness an orangutan moving effortlessly through the canopy, it reinforces something powerful: these forests are worth more standing than cleared.

Partners in conservation

And it goes deeper than the dollars. Well-managed ecotourism builds pride. It builds guardianship. It turns communities into partners, not bystanders, in conservation. When people become protectors because their livelihoods depend on the health of the forest, everything changes.

Of course, the key word is responsible. Ecotourism must be done in a way that keeps orangutans safe—maintaining distance, avoiding feeding, following strict guidelines, and supporting organizations that prioritize welfare over visitor convenience. When it’s done right, ecotourism becomes an engine that powers long-term protection.

Help protect orangutans

As an ambassador for the Sumatran Orangutan Society, I’ve always believed that storytelling, science, and sustainable economics must work together. Orangutans are priceless… but they also provide tangible, monetary value that can help safeguard the forests they depend on.

And that’s one of the strongest tools we have to keep them in the wild.

Because at the end of the day, every time someone chooses to visit responsibly, to support local guides, to invest in community-run tourism, they’re doing more than just ticking a species off their bucket list—they’re helping ensure that the soft rustle of an orangutan in the canopy will still be there for generations to come.

Zac Mills

SOS Ambassador