Name

Pungky Nanda Pratama

Position

Co-Founder / Field Team Leader

Role

On-location research, placing cameras, data collection, outreach, education.

Biography

Pungky has been working and actively involved in conservation projects since leaving university. The first conservation work that he undertook was as a volunteer, working on a mangrove and sea turtle project in his native home, East Java. More recently, he has been employed as an Environmental Educator with a local NGO called Animals Indonesia.

In 2018, Pungky left his job to start his own project called The Jungle Library Project, which focuses on environmental education. The project is a collaboration with friends and is supported by the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency of South Sumatra. The project takes place in two locations, Isau Isau Nature Reserve and Kerinci Seblat National Park. He is also involved in rescuing flora from illegal plant trafficking as part of the Flora Conservation Act.

If you would like to read more about Pungky’s other project, The Jungle Library Project, visit: https://www.facebook.com/JungleLibraryProject

Favourite Capture 

My most favourite is the Sumatran Clouded Leopard (Endangered)! They are an ultra-rare, very beautiful, primitive species of big cat. They have evolved to live in arboreal environments, and are perfectly adapted for catching rainforest prey. They have cool patters, and their tail is amazing! They remind me of prehistoric Sabre-Toothed cats!

Name

Anthony Hearn

Position

Co-Founder / Managing Director

Role

Collating data/data analysis, online & social media, fundraising, research, outreach, education.

Biography

Anthony has worked in the animal industry in various positions since 2003, where he began work as a sales assistant for an aquatic retailer. In 2006, he graduated from the Berkshire College of Agriculture with the highest achievable grade. After graduating, Anthony took on a full-time role with the same aquatics company, eventually taking on a more practical role, being responsible for animal care and acquisition.

In the middle of 2010, Anthony craved something different; consequently, he left his job and moved to Finland! After a year, he was placed in a government funded language course. This gave Anthony the tools and confidence needed to approach places of interest for work placements, and later led to Anthony undertaking an internship at Sealife Helsinki Aquarium.

Not long after, Anthony was introduced to some members of Helsinki Zoo, and later became an employee. This lead to a career as a zoo keeper, and - after 6 years in Finland - his eventual return to the UK.

In 2016, the newest source of Anthony’s inspiration came with the birth of his son, Kai. By the end of 2017, Anthony had become a stay-at-home father; later taking a part-time job working as farm hand for a local children’s farm. After a year of part-time work at the farm and full-time parental care, Anthony accepted a job as Head Keeper and Farm Manager; a position in which he continues today!

Favourite Capture 

I love our very first capture of 3 pigs, because it made the project REAL. I’ve always had a special fondness for big cats; consequently, my other favourites include the Sumatran Clouded Leopard (Endangered) and Asiatic Golden Cat (Near Threatened). Moreover, I always enjoy anything including birds, especially our Spiderhunter capture! We position the cameras with the primary aim of capturing mammals, so it’s such a surprise when they make an appearance. Although the Spiderhunter’s IUCN status is Least Concern, it’s considered rare to see them in the Isau Isau region. I love it when birds surprise us!

Name

Leanne “LippyArt” Beetham

Position

Artist / Visual Director / Data Wrangler

Role

Creating artworks/merch, branding, web-design/tech-support, sales/fundraising, data-wrangling/general.

Biography

Leanne is a disabled artist who has adapted to using her mouth to do most daily tasks, including creating artworks and photography. Since childhood, Leanne has had an affinity for animals, and her two passions have naturally combined. She has attended various events, exhibiting and performing live painting demonstrations - from local schools, to zoological parks, and large charity exhibitions in London.

In June 2009, Leanne became the first with a severe physical disability to graduate in “BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour & Training” at Bishop Burton College. The course has had a significant influence on the ways Leanne views and understands the animals she paints and photographs; she enjoys capturing those small details which make each of her animal subjects unique.

In 2019, LippyArt was approached by Anthony Hearn for assistance with digital visuals. That same year, Leanne met Anthony in-person (and Pungky via webcam), and - due to mutually shared ethics and a strong passion for nature conservation - she officially joined the SumatraCTP team on 10^th November 2019. 

Leanne endeavours to break stereotypes, challenge perceptions, push boundaries, and inspire others to create. She aims to use her art, photography, and live events to educate the world on the importance of both wildlife conservation and disability awareness (with emphasis to *ability*).  Leanne hopes to utilise her skills in the arts, animals, and technology to help further the project, and looks forward to future collaborations. 

You can find out more about Leanne at: http://lippyart.co.uk

Favourite Capture 

This is such a difficult choice! I adored painting from the Sumatran Clouded Leopard  (Endangered) capture, it was a rare discovery, and seeing it was such a wonderful moment for all of us. I also love any videos featuring Dholes; to me they’re the wolves of the jungles! Finally, the captures of the Sun Bears (vulnerable) playing - having animals make any kind of appearance is special, but getting to witness such intimate behaviour was just beautiful!