Nine Orangutans Released After Fire Rescue

Nine orangutans, including four mother-young pairs, were rescued from wildfires in West Kalimantan province in August and September. Some of the animals had burns on their hands and feet, and some were skinny and malnourished.

After several weeks of rehabilitation, the orangutans were released into the Batu Nyamb, a 23,000-hectare protected area in the same province.

YIARI wildlife rehabilitation foundation CEO Karmele Llano Sanchez stated that three of the rescued mothers were found to be pregnant during final health checks. One of these, Mama Ocha, was rescued with her baby, Ocha.

The team had to travel by car, by kayak, and for hours on foot through dense forest to reach the release site.

Batu Nyambu was chosen as the release site because its forests remain largely untouched and provide abundant food and shelter, offering the best chance for the animals to rebuild their lives.

Indonesia's forestry ministry says at least 51 orangutans have been rescued from burning forests in West Kalimantan between early August and mid-October.