Orangutan rescued in weakened condition near palm plantation after forest fire

A weakened adult male Bornean orangutan has been rescued from a community palm plantation in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, after nearby forest and land fires filled the area with smoke.

The animal was found on Aug. 30 in Dusun 1 Sempurna, Kuala Satong village. The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency and the Indonesian Animal Rescue Initiative Foundation carried out the evacuation after receiving a report at 7:27 a.m.

The orangutan had already been monitored near the site on Aug. 16 by the foundation’s Orangutan Protection Unit. At that time, it was still moving actively. When teams found it again, however, it had become weak.

Officials said fires around wildlife habitat and movement areas can affect animals’ movements and health. The conservation agency praised residents and other groups for reporting the orangutan and helping bring it to safety.

The rescue team used a controlled sedative at about 9:13 a.m. so veterinarians could examine and evacuate the animal safely. A foundation veterinarian gave it oxygen and intravenous fluids, while medical staff collected blood, feces and hair samples for further testing. They also implanted a microchip to support future identification and monitoring.

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Fires do not only affect land cover, but can also put pressure on wildlife in the surrounding area. Therefore, monitoring the movement of animals in affected areas is also important. We appreciate reports from the public and the cooperation of all parties, which enabled this orangutan to receive help quickly.