Orangutans flee for their lives as infernos destroy Indonesian forests
Eighteen endangered orangutans have been rescued in just one month as devastating forest and land fires tear through their habitats in Indonesia.
Two mothers clutching their tiny infants were among six orangutans evacuated from plantations in West Kalimantan after flames cut off their access to the forest.
The latest rescues bring the total number of orangutans saved from the fire crisis over the past month to 18, highlighting the mounting pressure on wildlife as blazes destroy and fragment the landscape.
The six orangutans were rescued from Pemangkat Village, in the Simpang Hilir District of North Kayong Regency, during two emergency operations on September 4 and 8.
They included two mother-and-infant pairs, Mama Nopi and her offspring Nopi, and Mama Noni and her offspring Noni, as well as two juveniles named Naufal and Nopan.
Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue, UK partner of the Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), said: “This is a tragic and deeply distressing time for Indonesia’s orangutans. These rescues, including two mothers with their infants, reveal the devastating impact of wildfires.
When flames destroy and fragment the forest, orangutans lose not only their homes, but also access to the food, shelter and safe routes they need to survive. Forced into plantations and closer to communities, they face an even greater risk of injury, starvation and human-wildlife conflict.
The thick smoke creates further risks to the health of the people and wildlife that live in and around the forests; we have already seen orangutans with severe respiratory conditions.
“International Animal Rescue has been working with YIARI for over 20 years, and we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. The YIARI team work tirelessly with the authorities and local communities to locate and rescue animals in danger.
The current fire emergency work is a race against time. While we are relieved these orangutans are now receiving expert care, the fact that 18 have required rescue in just one month is an alarming indication of the scale of this crisis. Protecting the remaining forest and preventing further fires is the immediate priority.”
The fires pose a deadly threat not only through flames and smoke, but by severing habitat corridors, reducing feeding grounds and forcing orangutans out of their natural ranges.
Reports of animals moving through plantations began emerging just days after the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency, known as BKSDA, and YIARI launched joint patrols on September 1.
The orangutans had been left trapped in plantation landscapes after the fires cut off their routes back into the forest, forcing them to move between properties in search of food and shelter.
The first rescue operation on September 4 saved Naufal, Nopan, Mama Nopi and Nopi. The team returned to the same area four days later to evacuate Mama Noni and her newborn offspring after receiving a report of their presence the previous day.
Argitoe Ranting, YIARI’s Program Operations Director, said: “Our concern isn't just when the fire approaches the orangutans, but also when the fire cuts off their access to the forest. They end up trapped in plantation landscapes, moving from one plantation to another in search of food and shelter. Situations like this increase the risks to the orangutans while also heightening the potential for conflict with humans.”
He added: “Joint teams in the field are intensifying patrols and responding to every report of orangutans leaving their habitats or located in areas threatened by fire, particularly in areas where access to the forest has been cut off by the fires.”
Rescuers used carefully measured doses of anaesthetic to allow the animals to be handled safely and reduce the risk of injury during the evacuations.
Initial examinations found Naufal and Mama Nopi were generally in good condition, with no significant injuries or physical abnormalities.
But Nopan’s body temperature had soared to 40°C. He was given medical treatment and intravenous fluids, which returned his temperature to normal, although he remains under observation.
Mama Noni, estimated to be between 13 and 15 years old, was also suffering from the effects of the crisis. Her temperature was recorded at 39.4°C, and she was panting and breathing rapidly.
The medical team administered intravenous fluids, oxygen and cold compresses to lower her temperature.
Her infant Noni is believed to be just one to two months old and was still nursing. The youngster will be closely monitored because of her very young age and total dependence on her mother.
All six orangutans have been taken to the YIARI Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, where they will remain under the supervision of its medical team.
Experts will continue assessing the fires and the condition of the animals’ original habitat. If the environment becomes safe and suitable forest remains available, further assessments will be carried out to identify possible locations where they could be returned to the wild.
YIARI Chairperson Silverius Oscar Unggul said: “YIARI fully supports the government's efforts, specifically those of the Ministry of Forestry through the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), in responding to the impact of forest and land fires on wildlife.
In situations like this, wildlife rescue becomes a crucial part of the response to fires, especially when the blazes increasingly restrict wildlife access to habitat and the forest. We stand ready to support the BKSDA with our expertise and resources, particularly regarding the rescue and care of orangutans and other threatened wildlife.”
Murlan Dameria Pane, head of the West Kalimantan BKSDA, said: “However, once a fire has broken out, the role of all segments of society in detecting and reporting affected wildlife becomes a crucial part of efforts to address the impact of forest fires. Rescuing wildlife affected by forest fires is a race against time; therefore, we urge the public to report any wildlife affected by forest and land fires to the BKSDA. call center at 0811-5776-767 or 0811-5670-041.”
The rescue operations were also supported by Yayasan Palung, the Pemangkat Village Forest Management Institution, local residents and plantation owners.
International Animal Rescue has launched an urgent appeal to support its response to the fire crisis. To find out more or donate, visit:
