Indonesia Confirms Death of Rescued Orangutan Amid Kalimantan Haze

Sempurna, an orangutan found barely able to breathe amid haze in West Kalimantan, died despite an emergency rescue and intensive treatment. Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry confirmed the death after the animal’s condition deteriorated rapidly.

Residents reported the adult orangutan at about 7 a.m. in Sempurna Hamlet, Kuala Satong Village, in Ketapang Regency’s North Matan Hilir District. The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency and the Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia Foundation began the rescue immediately.

The team gave Sempurna oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids before taking him to the foundation’s rehabilitation center at about 11:30 a.m. His breathing became shallower around 2 p.m., and his oxygen saturation could no longer be detected. After signs of respiratory arrest appeared, the team performed CPR. Sempurna was pronounced dead at 3:20 p.m. Jakarta time.

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We deeply regret that Sempurna could not be saved. Upon receiving the report, we immediately moved to rescue the animal and provided medical treatment. Further examinations were also conducted to determine its health condition and any factors suspected to have contributed to its death.

A necropsy on September 1 found pathological changes in the lungs, heart and kidneys. Based on the clinical history and examination, officials suspect smoke exposure damaged the lungs, impairing their function and causing acute hypoxia. That condition may have contributed to cardiovascular dysfunction and the orangutan’s death.

West Kalimantan conservation officials expressed condolences and thanked residents who alerted them. They urged the public to report wildlife in need of help, particularly animals that are sick, injured or affected by wildfires.

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We urge residents to swiftly report any wildlife in need of assistance to allow officers to take immediate action.