Who Is Sampurna, the Orangutan Rescued from Kalimantan Wildfire?

An adult male orangutan named Sampurna was discovered in a plantation near a village in North Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, after a severe wildfire forced him to leave his habitat. The orangutan was found weak and suffering from smoke inhalation, according to staff from the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the nonprofit organization YIARI.

Wildfire smoke, which had been present in the area for days, had enveloped the orangutan's natural habitat, leading to respiratory issues. Sampurna was first reported by residents around 6:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) and was found unconscious near a community-owned oil palm plantation. A severe blaze had occurred the previous day, and when rescuers arrived, the smoke was still thick, potentially exacerbating the orangutan's health condition.

The Ministry of Forestry in Jakarta warned that forest fires can significantly affect wildlife movement and health, necessitating monitoring of animal movements in affected areas. YIARI's veterinarian confirmed that exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to severe respiratory problems, including hypoxia. Sampurna had been monitored by YIARI's Orangutan Protection Unit (OPU) team prior to his rescue on August 16, 2026, but was found weak upon his rediscovery on Sunday morning.

The ongoing wildfires have prompted increased readiness among rescue teams, with YIARI's medical and rescue teams on standby 24/7 to respond to reports of affected wildlife.