WRC Jogja is a not-for-profit rescue and rehabilitation center that houses approximately 150 animals taken from the illegal wildlife trade within the island of Java, Indonesia. We work to save protected wildlife from illegal ownership, injury, or wildlife markets and aim to return them to the wild.Unfortunately, many animals would not survive in their wild habitat due to disabilities, old age, or unnatural behaviors, so we offer sanctuary for them to live out their lives in a safe and loving environment as close to their natural home as possible.
Becoming a sustainable conservation organization that seeks to create a harmonious balance between human, nature, and wildlife with the support of local and global communities.
Our core value is compassion towards nature and beings, which fosters a sense of responsibility, empathy, and care for the environment, wildlife, and all living beings and ultimately working towards a future where humans and nature can thrive together.
Where it all started
The organization was first established.
Obtained a formal recognition as a non-profit organization.
Obtained legal status as Conservation Organization with general purpose and started continue rescuing confiscated, injured wildlife.
Pandemic ignited the turning point of organization - converting the operational legal status from Conservation Organization with general purpose into a specific purpose to rescue wildlife.
Initiated a species conservation action of Malaysian Giant Turtles.
Stopped the work of wildlife rescue onsite and plan for relocation.
Ongoing relocation plan and undergoing an organization's transformative process.
WRC Jogja was founded in 2010 by YKAY (Yayasan Konservasi Alam Yogyakarta), a non-profit that works with rescue centers in Indonesia. We have been operating as a rescue center since 2003, but under a different name.
In 2003, the Wild Animal Rescue Center was established as part of the Indonesian ‘Wildlife Rescue Center Network’ to take temporary care of protected wildlife that had been involved in confiscation operations. The center also receives wild animals submitted by the community or private owners with the intent to rehabilitate and release them back into the wild.
In 2007, the ‘network’ collapsed, funding was withdrawn, and our rescue center fell into disrepair
For three years, a lack of funding and support meant the center struggled with basic daily operations, and staff and animals suffered as a result.
Since 2010, the center has been under new management by the Yogyakarta Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAY). The foundation is a non-profit and non-government organization dedicated to Indonesian wildlife conservation. It is registered at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia as a legal foundation in Indonesia. It also has permission as a conservation organization from the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. Under the new management, we were renamed Wildlife Rescue Centre (WRC) Jogja, which is the center as we know it today.
Our organization was firstly established with the aim to continue the work of wildlife rescue which had been initiated by a previous organization, namely The Gibbon Foundation of Indonesia. However, our journey was never easy…
Wildlife rescue efforts play a crucial role in the rescue and rehabilitation of illegally captured or traded animals, as well as those impacted by other wildlife casualties. Often, these animals are in dire situations, suffering from dehydration, malnourishment, injuries caused by trapping and hunting, psychological trauma, or even carrying diseases.
Apart from rescue and rehabilitation, WRC Jogja also contributes to participating in genetic research and any other research related to the wildlife so that they remain sustainable in nature and in the future.
We believe education is the most important tool when it comes to conservation of nature. We invite you and your class to learn about Indonesia’s ecosystems right at the heart of it all! With programs tailored to your age group and interests, you can be sure to get the most out of a field trip to WRC Jogja.
Personally contribute to the care of a vulnerable animal, without having to travel to Indonesia. It makes for a great gift as well!
A substantial sum of money is required to continue fulfilling our responsibilities in animal care. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Volunteering is a rare opportunity not only to experience the joys of nature and wildlife rescue, but also the hardships.
Tojeiro volunteered at WRC in 2018 and instantly fell in love. He decided to leave his job in the Netherlands to work alongside our keepers, managing projects and making sure all the animals get the best care possible. During the relocation period, Tojeiro studied animal health management to increase his capacity in the field of animal welfare.