In brief
A weak orangutan was found lying on the ground in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, as fires rage across Borneo, threatening the species’ survival. Indonesia has intensified containment efforts across six provinces to combat haze and protect wildlife. The fires are leaving orangutans without food or water, a concern highlighted by YIARI CEO Karmele Llano Sanchez. The rescued orangutan will be moved to a rehabilitation centre for treatment and, after recovery, will be released back into the wild.
Wildfires Threaten Orangutans on Borneo
A weak orangutan was discovered lying on the ground in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, as fires blaze across Borneo, threatening the species’ survival.
Indonesia has ramped up containment measures, targeting haze across six provinces on Borneo and Sumatra to protect wildlife and prevent further habitat loss.
“The situation is quite critical,” said Karmele Llano Sanchez, CEO of Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI). He warned that the fires deprive orangutans of food and water.
The rescued orangutan will be moved to YIARI’s rehabilitation centre for medical care and, once recovered, will be re‑released into the wild.
These events underscore the urgent need for robust fire‑management strategies and habitat protection to safeguard Borneo’s remaining orangutan populations.
