Rescued orangutan mother and infant remain under health monitoring in Ketapang
An initial examination found no burns on an orangutan mother and infant rescued from wildfire in West Kalimantan, while veterinarians are monitoring possible smoke effects. Saturday’s health update described nasal discharge in the infant. BKSDA and YIARI teams evacuated the pair on Thursday as flames approached their habitat in Sungai Awan Kiri. The rescue brought the number of orangutans evacuated from wildfire threats in Ketapang to nine in less than a month.
Science··Evening
Saturday’s update reports no burns
An orangutan mother and infant evacuated from wildfire threats in West Kalimantan remain under veterinary observation at a YIARI rescue and rehabilitation centre. Saturday’s health update reported that the preliminary examination found no burns on either animal. Veterinarian Komara said prolonged exposure to concentrated smoke could affect orangutans’ respiratory systems. The infant was active but had nasal discharge and dried fluid, which the team said might be related to smoke.[1], [2]
The team intervened on Thursday as flames approached
BKSDA conservation officers and YIARI evacuated the mother and infant from Sungai Awan Kiri village. As flames drew closer, the remaining habitat narrowed and there was no safe route for the animals to move away. The team arrived on Thursday morning and used anaesthesia and a net to evacuate the mother with her infant. The animals received oxygen during recovery from anaesthesia before being taken to the centre.[1], [2]
Ketapang rescues reach nine
YIARI director Argitoe Ranting said the latest evacuation brought the number of orangutans rescued from wildfire threats in Ketapang to nine in less than a month. He said the animals have few options for finding shelter and food elsewhere as their forests burn. Komara said the mother and infant would continue to be monitored while staying at the centre.[1], [2]
