Saving the Yaki - A Conservation Journey from Dublin to Sulawesi
Back in 1998, while studying Sulawesi crested black macaques (locally known in North Sulawesi as Yaki) at Dublin Zoo for her PhD, Vicky Melfi was struck by the beauty, intelligence, and plight of this charismatic, critically endangered primate. What began as aca-demic research sparked a lifelong mission to save the Yaki from extinction. In 2007, Vicky founded Selamatkan Yaki (“Save the Yaki”), an ambitious conservation pro-gramme in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Drawing on scientific research, community engagement, and international collaboration, Selamatkan Yaki has spent nearly two decades working with local people, NGOs, and governments to protect one of the planet’s most threatened primates. North Sulawesi is home to the unique Yaki and found nowhere else on Earth—yet its popu-lation has declined by an estimated 80% over the last 40 years and it is feared there are less than 5,000 remaining in the wild. In this inspiring and hopeful talk, Professor Vicky Melfi will share her journey from student to conservation leader, and the creation of a programme that connects global zoos and aquariums with the people living alongside Yaki in the forests of North Sulawesi. Dr Sue Wiper, the current director of Selamatkan Yaki, will then take us to the frontlines of conservation today. She’ll explain how the programme is tackling hunting, habitat loss, and cultural change—while helping communities rediscover pride in their unique wildlife. This talk will explore how empathy, science, and shared purpose can drive lasting change—and why saving the Yaki matters not just for Sulawesi, but for the future of conservation worldwide.
Date: Friday, July 25th at 6:30pm (duration: one hour)
Speaker: Dr. Vicky Melfi and Dr. Sue Wiper, Selamatkan Yaki
Tickets: online bookings only
Audience: suitable for adults and children aged 12yrs and over (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: this is an in-person event at Dublin Zoo
Please note: this event does not include day entry to Dublin Zoo
Ticket options
Back in 1998, while studying Sulawesi crested black macaques (locally known in North Sulawesi as Yaki) at Dublin Zoo for her PhD, Vicky Melfi was struck by the beauty, intelligence, and plight of this charismatic, critically endangered primate. What began as aca-demic research sparked a lifelong mission to save the Yaki from extinction. In 2007, Vicky founded Selamatkan Yaki (“Save the Yaki”), an ambitious conservation pro-gramme in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Drawing on scientific research, community engagement, and international collaboration, Selamatkan Yaki has spent nearly two decades working with local people, NGOs, and governments to protect one of the planet’s most threatened primates. North Sulawesi is home to the unique Yaki and found nowhere else on Earth—yet its popu-lation has declined by an estimated 80% over the last 40 years and it is feared there are less than 5,000 remaining in the wild. In this inspiring and hopeful talk, Professor Vicky Melfi will share her journey from student to conservation leader, and the creation of a programme that connects global zoos and aquariums with the people living alongside Yaki in the forests of North Sulawesi. Dr Sue Wiper, the current director of Selamatkan Yaki, will then take us to the frontlines of conservation today. She’ll explain how the programme is tackling hunting, habitat loss, and cultural change—while helping communities rediscover pride in their unique wildlife. This talk will explore how empathy, science, and shared purpose can drive lasting change—and why saving the Yaki matters not just for Sulawesi, but for the future of conservation worldwide.
Date: Friday, July 25th at 6:30pm (duration: one hour)
Speaker: Dr. Vicky Melfi and Dr. Sue Wiper, Selamatkan Yaki
Tickets: online bookings only
Audience: suitable for adults and children aged 12yrs and over (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: this is an in-person event at Dublin Zoo
Please note: this event does not include day entry to Dublin Zoo
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