Who Is Sampurna, the Orangutan Rescued from a Kalimantan Wildfire?

Sampurna was found limp and unconscious near a community-owned oil palm plantation after thick wildfire smoke enveloped his habitat for days.

Residents reported the adult male orangutan at about 6 a.m. local time in Laman Satong Village, in Ketapang Regency’s North Matan Hilir District. A joint team from the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency and the Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia Foundation, known as YIARI, responded to the report.

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Fires not only impact land cover but could impact the wildlife in the surrounding area. Therefore, monitoring animal movements in the fire-hit area is necessary.

A severe fire had broken out near the plantation the day before the rescue. When the team arrived on Sunday morning, smoke still filled the area. Officials suspected that the fire drove Sampurna from his habitat and that prolonged exposure damaged his health.

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Forest and fire smoke contains various particles and substances that can enter the respiratory tract and disrupt lung function.

YIARI veterinarian Komara said wildfire smoke contains particles and other substances that can enter the respiratory tract and disrupt lung function. Heavy smoke exposure lasting several days can cause hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation. The team conducted a thorough examination to check Sampurna’s condition, including possible damage to his lungs and other internal organs.

YIARI had monitored Sampurna near the rescue site on Aug. 16, when he was still moving actively. By the time residents found him again, he had become weak. Conservation officials warned that fires affect not only land cover but also wildlife movement and condition, making monitoring in burned areas necessary. YIARI said its medical and rescue teams remained on standby around the clock to respond to reports of affected animals.

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Our YIARI medical and rescue teams are on standby 24/7 to respond to reports and take rescue action if needed.