Orangutan Found Weak and Smoke-Affected in Indonesian Plantation, Rescued
A weak male orangutan, Sampurna, was rescued from a forest fire in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and evacuated for medical care.
A male orangutan, found in a weakened state near a burning plantation in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province, has been rescued and evacuated for medical treatment. The animal, later named Sampurna, was discovered on Saturday after residents reported its presence in the morning.
A joint team, including local authorities and conservationists, reached the location to find Sampurna unconscious. Initial examination by a veterinarian from the Yayasan IAR Indonesia (YIARI) suggested the orangutan's condition was due to heavy smoke inhalation from fires that have been raging in the area.
The veterinarian noted that while Sampurna had no burn injuries, he was suffering from respiratory problems, likely a tract infection caused by the thick smoke blanketing his habitat. The rescue operation itself was conducted under hazy conditions on Sunday.
After his condition was stabilized at the scene, Sampurna was transported to the YIARI Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Sungai Awan Kiri. A comprehensive health assessment will be conducted there to evaluate the impact of smoke on his lungs and other internal organs, which will determine his treatment plan.
This rescue marks the seventh by the joint team in Ketapang Regency during August 2026, as fires continue to threaten orangutan habitats. Such fires are a recurring problem in Indonesia's dry season, often started to clear land for agriculture, leading to hazardous haze that affects health and transportation.