Femke den Haas
Femke den Haas is the co-founder of JAAN Indonesia and one of Indonesia’s most dedicated wildlife and animal protection advocates. For more than two decades, she has been at the forefront of efforts to protect Indonesia’s wildlife, combat illegal animal trade, and improve animal welfare standards nationwide.
Get to know Femke
Femke is a Dutch-born conservationist and animal protection advocate who has made Indonesia her home and her life’s work.
Known for her deep commitment to ending animal exploitation and the illegal wildlife trade, she co-founded JAAN Indonesia to build an organisation capable of confronting these challenges head-on. Her work goes beyond rescue efforts. She tackles complex, systemic issues through enforcement support, community engagement, and public education. Through interviews and coverage in outlets like Biodiversity MAG, her mission and passion are increasingly recognised internationally
Read a full, 8 page interview with Femke from BiodiversityMAG
As JAAN's director and co-founder, Femke den Haas oversees the operational strategy, partnerships, and advocacy efforts.
Since its establishment in Indonesia in 2008, the organisation has grown into a respected wildlife protection NGO collaborating with local authorities, law enforcement, and international partners.
Under Femke's leadership, JAAN has developed multidisciplinary programs
Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trade
JAAN deploys trained sniffer dog teams and works with authorities at ports and transit hubs to intercept trafficked wildlife.
Rescue and Rehabilitation
Under her leadership, JAAN runs rescue centres across Sumatra, Java, and Bali, giving traumatized animals a chance at recovery and, in most cases, a safe return to their natural habitat.
Ending Exploitative Practices
Femke’s work has helped end the use of dancing monkeys and circus performances that exploit wild animals, and she presses for stronger legislation and enforcement. Her work has repeatedly brought her face-to-face with shocking abuses (from orangutans concealed in shipping containers to buses loaded with confiscated wildlife) shaping her resolve to change the system.
Impact and Recognition
Femke has become one of the most visible and respected voices in animal welfare in Southeast Asia. Media coverage — including feature interviews and international reporting — highlights both her hands-on work and her broader vision for lasting change. Her work is not just about saving individual animals, but shifting public perception, supporting legal enforcement, and building institutional capacity to tackle the illegal wildlife trade for the long term.
Why It Matters
Indonesia is a global hotspot for biodiversity, but it also faces severe threats from illegal trade and exploitation. Femke has consistently pointed out that rescuing animals is only part of the solution — to stop suffering at the source, JAAN must disrupt the systems that drive trade, strengthen government action, and change societal attitudes. Her leadership reflects a commitment to collaborative, compassionate conservation — one that bridges field operations, law enforcement, and public outreach to protect Indonesia’s rare and endangered species.
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Want to stay updated on Femke den Haas’ work in wildlife protection and animal welfare? Follow her professional journey and connect directly through the channels below.
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For media inquiries, speaking engagements, or collaboration opportunities, please email: hello@jaanindonesia.org
