Orangutan rescued from fire zone in Indonesia's Borneo, battles respiratory illness

Ketapang, Indonesia: Farmer Jais discovered an orangutan in poor health near a palm-oil plantation in a region battling devastating forest fires, according to news reports. The orangutan, named Sampurna, was severely weakened and struggled for breath due to thick smoke, said Jais. Indonesia has ramped up efforts to control haze from forest and land fires affecting six provinces, with smoke causing respiratory illnesses and leading to the closure of hundreds of schools in Malaysia.

Wildfires have consumed an estimated 202,010 hectares of land in Borneo, up from 107,465 hectares in the previous six months, according to the Forestry Ministry. Sampurna was taken to a wildlife foundation, where a veterinarian diagnosed the orangutan with hypoxia, resulting from the dense smoke. Despite the absence of severe burn injuries, Sampurna experienced breathing difficulties and vomiting.

The orangutan, believed to be around 20 years old, was given oxygen therapy and fluids through an IV drip. It will be transferred to a rehabilitation center for further treatment and, once recovered, released back into the wild. Seven orangutans have been rescued from fires so far, according to wildlife officials, who emphasized the need for government action to address the long-term consequences of fires on public health, forests, and wildlife.