APE Malaysia HOSES for Wildlife
HOSES for Wildlife: Upcycling Waste to Improve Animal Welfare
Factbox
Location
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Grant Period
Aug 2015 – Jul 2016
Grant Amount
MYR 64,349
Beneficiaries
Wildlife in Captivity
Focus Area
Overview
HOSES for Wildlife is an initiative by APE Malaysia that transforms discarded fire hoses and aircraft materials into enrichment tools and pet toys. By upcycling industrial waste, the programme improves the welfare of captive wildlife while creating employment opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
Impact At A Glance
- Development of animal enrichment tools used in zoos, wildlife centres, and sanctuaries
- Upcycling of decommissioned fire hoses and aircraft materials into durable products
- Employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged community members
- Expansion of wildlife welfare programmes across Asean
The Challenge
Protecting biodiversity in Southeast Asia requires stronger community engagement in both conservation and waste management.
Asean is home to some of the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems. However, conserving this natural heritage requires sustained efforts to involve local communities in environmental stewardship, wildlife protection, and responsible waste management.
At the same time, non-biodegradable waste such as industrial materials and aviation components continues to accumulate in landfills. Recognising the potential of these materials, APE Malaysia developed an innovative approach to repurpose decommissioned fire hoses into durable enrichment tools that improve the wellbeing of animals living in captivity
Despite the impact of this initiative, limited funding has restricted the organisation’s ability to distribute these tools widely to underfunded zoos, rehabilitation centres, and wildlife sanctuaries across the region.
The Solution
HOSES for Wildlife turns industrial waste into enrichment tools that enhance the lives of animals in captivity.
Through the Hoses Serving Environment & Species (HOSES) Project, APE Malaysia collects decommissioned fire hoses and aircraft interior materials such as seat belts, leather seat covers, and life jackets. These materials are transformed into durable enrichment tools for wildlife and a range of pet toys designed for the consumer market.
The sale of these upcycled products generates income that helps fund APE Malaysia’s broader animal enrichment programme across Southeast Asia. At the same time, the initiative creates opportunities for disadvantaged individuals to gain employment and develop practical production skills.
By combining waste reduction, wildlife welfare, and social employment, HOSES demonstrates how creative recycling can contribute to both environmental conservation and community development.
The Grant with AirAsia Foundation
AirAsia Foundation’s grant supports HOSES in expanding its production capacity and impact across the region.
- Purchase tools and materials required for production
- Train disadvantaged community members to manufacture the products
- Upgrade the organisation’s website to support e-commerce
- Develop and implement a marketing plan to promote the pet toy range and its conservation mission
These initiatives enable APE Malaysia to scale its upcycling model while generating sustainable funding for wildlife welfare programmes.
Find out how AirAsia Allstars are also part of this initiative to improve wildlife welfare across Asean:
Gallery
The Organisation
APE Malaysia
Animal Projects & Environment Education Sdn Bhd (APE Malaysia) is a social enterprise dedicated to improving the welfare of wildlife both in captivity and in the wild. Through volunteer and education programmes embedded within partner conservation sites, the organisation works to benefit wildlife, local communities, and the environment through carefully monitored conservation outcomes.
Team Leader
Fareea Ma
Fareea Ma leads APE Malaysia with a strong commitment to protecting animals and the environment. Known for her compassion and innovative thinking, she has developed a series of programmes that combine environmental conservation with community engagement. By creatively repurposing discarded materials and working closely with conservation partners, she continues to advance initiatives that improve the welfare of wildlife across the region.
