Indonesian rescuers save dozens of orangutans from wildfires
Rescuers in Indonesia saved dozens of critically endangered orangutans from wildfires that burned 2.2 million acres and destroyed much of their habitat.
Key facts
- Rescuers in Indonesia saved dozens of critically endangered orangutans from wildfires, according to NPR.
- Wildfires this season burned 2.2 million acres of land, according to NPR.
- More than 50–60% of orangutan habitat was impacted by fire or smoke, according to NPR.
- A 5‑year‑old female orangutan named Novita was rescued, had 20% of her body burned, and is recovering at a rehabilitation center, according to NPR.
According to NPR, rescuers in Indonesia saved dozens of critically endangered orangutans from wildfires. The wildfires threatened the animals' lives and habitats during the season.
NPR reported that the wildfires burned 2.2 million acres of land. The fires were fueled by the super El Nino, which made Indonesia extra hot and dry.
After the fires, the forest faces scarcity of food because pollination and fruit production are disrupted. More than 50–60% of orangutan habitat was affected by fire or smoke, according to NPR.
NPR reported a rescue of a 5‑year‑old female orangutan named Novita. She had 20% of her body burned, was treated with a nebulizer, and is now recovering at a rehabilitation center.
NPR reported that Sihite's organization ran a similar rescue operation in 2015 during massive forest and peatland fires. Wendy Erb, a biological anthropologist, helped dig wells to pump water and waited for rain to help put out the fires.
Context
The super El Nino made Indonesia extra hot and dry, which contributed to the wildfires that burned large areas of forest. The fires destroyed much of the orangutan habitat and threatened the survival of the species.
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