Brief
Wildfires in Indonesia’s Borneo threaten orangutans, rescuers treat injured ape
Rescuers tranquilized, gave oxygen and IV fluids to a burned orangutan found in Katune forest amid worsening fires.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Wildfires sweeping across Indonesia’s Borneo island have left endangered orangutans struggling to survive, prompting rescuers to evacuate injured animals, the Associated Press reported on Oct. 10.
What happened
In the Katune forest of Central Kalimantan province, a female Bornean orangutan nicknamed Novita was found clinging to a nearly leafless tree as dense smoke billowed across the scorched landscape. She suffered burns on the palms of her hands and the soles of her feet, likely incurred while crossing a burned area.
What the reports add
The AP article notes that the fires this year have intensified as El Niño drives a prolonged dry season, worsening Indonesia’s forest‑fire problem. It also mentions that the rescue team tranquilized Novita, provided her with oxygen and intravenous fluids, and transported her to the rehabilitation centre in Nyaru Menteng.
What was said
Jamartin Sihite, chairman of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, told the AP that once Novita’s burns heal, she will be evaluated for her ability to climb and survive in the wild. He added, “We have previously released orangutans missing several fingers and they were still able to survive in the forest, so we remain hopeful that Novita can eventually return to the wild.”
How it came about
Indonesia’s forest and land fires have worsened this year, a trend highlighted in Felo’s recent coverage of Indonesia’s biomass boom and its impact on deforestation. The same environmental pressures that drive large‑scale logging also fuel the wildfires threatening wildlife such as orangutans.
Key facts
- Wildfires are sweeping across parts of Indonesia’s Borneo island. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- A female orangutan named Novita was rescued from the Katune forest in Central Kalimantan. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Novita received oxygen, IV fluids and was taken to a rehabilitation centre in Nyaru Menteng. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Jamartin Sihite is chairman of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- El Niño has intensified a prolonged dry season, worsening Indonesia’s fires. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “Wildfires threaten Indonesia's orangutans as rescuers find injured animals”
