Govt Rescues Weak Orangutan Amid Wildfire in West Kalimantan

RRI.CO.ID, Ketapang - The Forestry Ministry rescued a weak adult male orangutan in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. The orangutan was found in a community oil palm plantation Sunday morning.

The rescue involved West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and Indonesian Animal Rehabilitation Initiative Foundation. Officials responded after receiving a report on Sunday morning, August 30, 2026.

According to Forestry Ministry press release, the animal had been monitored near the rescue site since August 16, 2026. However, it remained actively moving around the surrounding area.

When found again Sunday morning, the orangutan appeared weak inside the plantation. Nearby forested areas were also burning, producing smoke around the site.

Rescuers sedated then the orangutan. Veterinary staff then provided oxygen and intravenous fluids during initial treatment.

Medical teams collected blood, feces, and hair samples for further examination. They also installed a microchip to support identification and monitoring.

Initial observations linked its weakness to smoke exposure and dehydration. However, further medical examinations are needed to determine its condition.

The orangutan was later transported to Indonesian Natural Rehab Initiatives Assocciaton (YIARI)'s rehabilitation center for further treatment. BKSDA chief Murlan Dameria Pane highlighted wildfire impacts on wildlife movement.

“Wildfires not only affect land cover, but also potentially pressure nearby wildlife,” Murlan said. He urged continued monitoring of wildlife movement in affected areas.