A Place Called Barumun

About The Sanctuary

"Every tiger at Barumun has a unique story, background, and set of needs."

Barumun Tiger Sanctuary is a private ex-situ conservation facility dedicated to the protection, rehabilitation, and long-term care of Sumatran Tigers requiring specialized management and support.

The sanctuary is not open for regular public visitation. Every aspect of its operation is designed to prioritize recovery, welfare, and the preservation of natural behaviors as wild animals.

Some tigers arrive with injuries resulting from human-wildlife conflict. Others come through rescue operations or voluntary handovers from local communities. Some simply need a safe place to heal and continue their lives.

Our Sanctuary Approach

  • Supporting recovery in a safe and carefully managed environment.
  • Preserving natural instincts and wild behaviors.
  • Preparing selected individuals for potential reintroduction into their natural habitat.
 

Beyond animal care, Barumun serves as a platform for conservation education, research, and conservation storytelling—helping build public awareness about the importance of protecting Sumatran Tigers and the forests they call home.
Behind every tiger that arrives at the sanctuary is a story of loss, resilience, and second chances.

Through Barumun, we hope more people will understand that protecting the Sumatran Tiger is not only about saving a species—it is about safeguarding the ecological balance we leave for future generations.

Official Information

Barumun Sumatran Tiger Sanctuary

The sanctuary was established under the Decree of the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) No. SK.373/KSDAE/SET/KSA.2/9/2016. Located in Batu Nanggar Village, Batang Onang District, Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Legal Foundation

Director General of KSDAE Decree
No. SK.373/KSDAE/SET/KSA.2/9/2016

Sanctuary Location

Batu Nanggar Village, Batang Onang District, Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Management Model

The sanctuary is managed through a collaborative partnership between government authorities and a private foundation, united by a shared commitment to securing the future of the Sumatran Tiger.

Managing Authority

North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA North Sumatra)

The government institution responsible for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection in North Sumatra.

Managing Partner

Persamuhan Bodhicitta Mandala Foundation, Medan

A foundation partnering in the operational management of the sanctuary through a shared commitment to the future of the Sumatran Tiger.

Foundation Patron

Bhiksu Nyanaprathama Mahastavira

Supporting the sanctuary as a space dedicated to compassion, ecological balance, and the protection of Indonesia’s wildlife.

Sanctuary Purpose

Built For One Purpose

Every aspect of the sanctuary exists with a single priority:
To provide the best possible chance of life for Sumatran Tigers in need of assistance.

The Sanctuary Serves As A Place For

Rehabilitation

Structured recovery programs for tigers arriving with injuries or trauma.

Recovery & Care

Veterinary treatment, nutrition, and environmental management that support healing.

Lifetime Care

A safe and suitable home for individuals that cannot return to the wild.

Release Preparation

Specialized programs for tigers with the potential to return to their natural habitat.

Tigers We Care For

Human-Wildlife Conflict Victims

Tigers are injured or displaced due to interactions with people around forest landscapes.

Rescue Cases

Individuals rescued from dangerous situations, traps, or illegal wildlife trade.

Community Handovers

Tigers voluntarily surrendered by members of the public.

Confiscated Tigers

Individuals confiscated through wildlife crime enforcement operations.

Vision & Mission

Our Long Journey Ahead

VISION

To be a Sumatran Tiger sanctuary that protects life, restores hope, and reconnects people with the importance of Sumatra’s forests.

MISSION

01

Provide the highest standard of care for Sumatran Tigers.

02

Support rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts.

03

Develop conservation communication that is accessible and meaningful to the public.

04

Serve as a platform for education, research, and conservation storytelling.

05

Support the wellbeing of keepers as an essential part of wildlife protection.

The Landscape

North Sumatra, Their Last Home

Barumun is situated within one of Indonesia’s most biodiverse landscapes.
The forests of Sumatra are not only home to tigers.

They are also home to Sumatran Elephants, Sumatran and Tapanuli Orangutans, Siamangs, Malayan Tapirs, Sunda Pangolins, endemic birds, and thousands of other species.

As long as the forest survives, so does the future of everything that depends on it.

SUMATRAN ELEPHANT

Elephas maximus sumatranus

SUMATRAN ORANGUTAN

Pongo abelii

TAPANULI ORANGUTAN

Pongo tapanuliensis

Siamang

Symphalangus syndactylus

MALAYAN TAPIR

Tapirus indicus