Adult Male Orangutan Rescued In Critical Condition As Fires Burn In West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Sharpened video still credit: BKSDA West Kalimantan / YIARI
An adult male orangutan has been rescued in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, after being found weakened amid ongoing forest and land fires burning in the region.
The orangutan was found on Sunday, August 30, in a palm oil plantation. Forested land surrounding the plantation was burning and producing smoke at the time, while responders were unable to locate a nearby source of water.
The Wildlife Rescue Unit of BKSDA West Kalimantan responded alongside Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), whose Orangutan Protection Unit had previously monitored the same orangutan in the area on August 16, when he was still active and moving between locations.
When rescuers found him again on August 30, veterinarians safely sedated and examined him before providing oxygen and intravenous fluids. Blood, fecal, and hair samples were also collected for further testing, and a microchip was implanted to assist with his identification and monitoring.
According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, early observations suggest that smoke exposure and dehydration may have contributed to his weakened condition, although further examinations are needed to determine his overall health.
The orangutan was later transported to YIARI’s rehabilitation center, where he continues to receive veterinary care and observation.
World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals are praying for the rescued orangutan to make a full recovery, and for all wildlife impacted by the devastating wildfires across parts of Indonesia.
As of August 30, the Ministry of Forestry reported 946 satellite-detected hotspots in the country, including 455 in West Kalimantan — the highest number among the provinces included in the update. Officials noted that a single fire can produce multiple hotspot detections.
Smoke has also affected visibility in parts of the region. On the morning of August 31, visibility at Supadio Airport in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, had fallen to approximately 1.3 kilometers.
The Ministry of Forestry is urging anyone who encounters orangutans or other wildlife near communities, plantations, or fire-affected areas to keep a safe distance, avoid disturbing or feeding the animals, and immediately contact BKSDA or local forestry authorities so trained rescue teams can respond.
