Art touches hearts.  In the AlTo alliance, we believe that conservation is most effective when people from many walks bring the best parts of themselves to work together with others toward a common goal.  That's why we combine the latest conservation science with art, music, and drama to touch people's hearts and change people's lives.

In spring 2007, 25 U.S. artists decorated life-size plywood models of the maleo bird, which were brought together in a float and paraded at Vashon Island, Washington's Strawberry Festival.  Then, the maleos were brought to Tompotika and three more were created by Tompotika children. The resulting 28 maleos were proudly carried in a second parade--this one through the streets of Bualemo, one of Tompotika's largest villages--to celebrate the first successful year of maleo conservation in the area (over 1300 maleo eggs saved!).  While AlTo visitors marched along and played harmonicas, Tompotika children sang and raised the cheer, "Hidup Maleo!" ("Long Live the Maleo!")