Six orangutans rescued after habitat fire in West Kalimantan

KETAPANG : Six orangutans have been rescued from a fire-affected area in Kuala Tolak village, Matan Hilir Utara district, Ketapang, West Kalimantan.

The rescue operation was carried out on Sept 26 by Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry through the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), together with Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI).

The orangutans comprised two adult females with their young and two other juvenile females.

They were identified as Mama Irene and Irene, Mama Satya and Satya, as well as Mila and Mele.

YIARI veterinarians conducted initial health checks and found that the animals required further treatment.

The team carried out full examinations, collected biological samples and checked their microchips to support ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Authorities said the condition of the surrounding habitat was also a concern, with signs of fire damage and smoke still visible at the location.

The habitat loss could affect the orangutans’ safety and reduce access to their natural food sources.

Following the rescue and initial examinations, all six orangutans were taken to YIARI’s rehabilitation centre for further medical care and monitoring.