Interning with LPP has been a transformative journey that reshaped the way I see wildlife, conservation, and even myself. When I was surveying options for my internship placement, I felt completely lost. As an Ecology and Biodiversity student, my interests were always broad: insects, mammals, amphibians, reptiles… I loved them all! Because of that, choosing a single field to focus on felt incredibly difficult.

Then one day, I came across LPP’s canopy bridge project. Something inside me clicked. I did some research and saw the range of things LPP does: fieldwork, community engagement, environmental education, social media communication… and immediately my heart said, “YES, THIS IS IT!”

It felt like the perfect blend of everything I hoped to experience for my internship. I entered with the passion to learn as much as I could, and the journey turned out to be far more meaningful than I ever expected.

Fieldwork Sessions

Since I was small, when other kids were busy playing with toys, I was the child who preferred squatting in the garden, watching insects and animals quietly. Even when they remained still, I could just stay watching them until my mom shouted for me to come back inside. To date, that childlike curiosity never left.

Fieldwork at LPP felt like returning to that version of myself, giving me a perfectly valid reason to spend five uninterrupted hours observing wildlife, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved that we could talk about the monkeys for hours without ever getting bored during the fieldwork. Even though we often walked the same routes, there was always something new to see, as nature always finds its own quiet way to surprise us.

LPP is definitely much more than just data sheets and behavioural observations. It is a community built on empathy, science, and a deep respect for coexistence. Passersby sometimes looked confused, wondering why a group of people stood by the roadside staring into trees for hours. Others might question why observing monkeys every day even mattered.

What I would like to say is, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and neither is a canopy bridge. The canopy bridge isn’t something we can easily build just because we want to. Instead, it stands on years of research, countless hours of fieldwork, authorities’ approvals, funding, community trust, and the dedication of many hands. Kudos to everyone who contributed to this meaningful journey!

Community Engagement

Alongside fieldwork, community engagement became one of the most fulfilling parts of my internship. It allowed me to talk to people, listen to their concerns, and help them understand the wildlife they share space with. The biggest lesson I learned is that conservation is not only about animals, but also about people. It is about connecting, educating, raising awareness, shifting perspectives, and growing together as a better community.

Along the way, I met many kind and supportive residents who would stop to chat with us, share their stories, or even offer us refreshments on hot days, and these small gestures always warmed my heart. I also learned to handle difficult situations such as addressing misconceptions, responding to complaints, or managing frustration with patience, clarity, and empathy.

Seeing someone soften, understand, or rethink their perspective after a simple conversation made every effort worthwhile. Moments like these reminded me that community engagement isn’t an extension of conservation work, it is conservation work.

Remote Works

Beyond the on-groundwork, I found meaning in the digital side of conservation. Creating social media content allowed me to communicate science in accessible and relatable ways, which helped bridge the gap between ecological knowledge and public understanding. I also learned to handle negative or misinformed comments with empathy rather than frustration.

Remote work became a space where I could still contribute meaningfully even when I wasn’t in the field. It made me realise that conservation isn’t limited to boots on the ground. It also can grow through the stories we tell, the conversations we spark, and the awareness we help shape.

Conservation Lessons

To be completely honest, I used to dislike monkeys. But as the saying goes:

“In the end, we will only conserve what we love;
we will love only what we understand;
and we will understand only what we are taught.”

– Baba Dioum

Everything changed once I learned about them. I realised that every creature carries a story worth listening to. Sometimes we simply need to slow down, pay attention, and notice the small things around us. These few months grounded me in ways I’ve never expected. I found out that meaningful work can also be quiet, unglamorous, but incredibly fulfilling.

LPP gave me a safe and supportive space to grow. I was guided with patience, encouraged to stay curious, and trusted with tasks that mattered. This internship didn’t just equip me with skills; it reconnected me with nature, community, and a renewed sense of purpose.

My Sincere Thoughts

Even though my internship has ended, each sampling group update still brings a smile to my face the moment I see it. It feels like I am still there with all of you and the monkeys. Sometimes, when I work from home scrolling through photos for content creation, I find myself smiling without even realizing it. Those pictures made me genuinely happy. I am deeply grateful to be part of this meaningful journey. It never felt like “work” when we truly enjoyed what we were doing. Everyone here is warm, passionate, and like-minded.

I couldn’t have asked for a better team. Thank you for showing me what it means to protect wildlife with both passion and compassion. Thank you for trusting me, guiding me, encouraging me on difficult days, and supporting me through every step of this journey. You all feel like family to me. This place owns my whole heart, and I will miss all of you more than words can express.

Thank you for everything, Langur Project Penang.

A farewell gathering <3.

Signing off,

Elin.