RRI.CO.ID, Kabupaten Muaro Jambi - A coordinated rescue operation involving conservationists and local residents successfully saved an endangered Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus). The animal was rescued after being found trapped in a well within the Muara Jambi National Cultural Heritage Area (KCBN).

The female tapir, estimated to be approximately five years old, was discovered on Monday afternoon, March 9, 2026. She was found near the Parit Duku site, a key location within the sprawling archaeological complex.

The rescue was initiated after Sugianto, a local community leader in Muara Jambi Village, received a report from a resident regarding the animal’s predicament.

"A resident called me and sent a video of the 'tenut' (tapir) discovery. I then contacted the Babinsa to reach out to BKSDA officers, who arrived to perform the rescue. The evacuation process went smoothly, although the tapir was slightly weak from being trapped in the well," said Sugianto, as reported by Antara.

The Jambi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), supported by temple security and villagers, managed to lift the animal from the one-meter-deep dry well where it had been stuck for several hours. Following the successful extraction, the tapir was immediately transported to a Wildlife Rescue Center (TPS) for observation and recovery.

Head of the Jambi BKSDA, Himawan Sasongko, confirmed the successful operation on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He remarked that the current priority is the animal's psychological and physical stabilization.

"We are still conducting checks. The most important thing is to secure the animal and reduce its stress levels," noted Himawan, as quoted by Antara.

Initial medical assessments by BKSDA veterinarian Zulmanudin indicated that the tapir is in generally good health despite the ordeal. "We secured it at the TPS, and during the evacuation process last night, we checked its condition and it was good. We secured it together with the local residents," Zulmanudin remarked.

The agency continues to monitor the tapir's condition before determining the next steps for its eventual return to the wild. ***