Indonesia Rescues Dozens of Orangutans From Wildfires
At least 51 orangutans were evacuated from Borneo and Sumatra between August and October amid widespread haze and fire.
Key facts
- Conservation groups evacuated 51 orangutans from West Kalimantan between Aug 6 and Oct 19.
- Forestry ministry figures suggest up to 96 orangutans may have been rescued in Kalimantan.
- A 20‑year‑old male orangutan was rescued from Hampangen village in Central Kalimantan.
- Haze from the fires has affected about 2,400 flights across Indonesia since mid‑August.
- Pollution levels ranged from unhealthy to very unhealthy across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and East Timor.
Conservation groups in Indonesia reported that 51 orangutans were rescued from the province of West Kalimantan between 6 August and 19 October. The West Kalimantan conservation agency and the non‑profit YIARI said the team evacuated the animals from several locations in the province.
A separate rescue operation saved a 20‑year‑old male orangutan in Hampangen village, Central Kalimantan. The agencies said the animal was sedated, examined by a medical team, and then taken to a rehabilitation centre.
The haze produced by the fires has disrupted air travel. Indonesia's transport ministry said about 2,400 flights across the country have been affected since mid‑August. The haze has also led to school closures and increased respiratory conditions among humans and animals.
The fires have been intensified by a strong El Nino weather phenomenon. Pollution levels across the region have ranged from unhealthy to very unhealthy, with Singapore experiencing the longest duration of unhealthy air quality since 2015.
Context
The wildfires on Borneo and Sumatra were intensified by a strong El Nino, creating a months‑long haze that affected air quality and wildlife across Southeast Asia.
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