Orangutans released back into Borneo forest after devastating fires
Rescuers moved the apes after their habitats were threatened by intense wildfires over the summer.
Eight orangutans have been released back into the wild in Borneo after their habitat was threatened by devastating wildfires over the summer. The apes, including three mothers, their three daughters, and two adult males, were rescued from captivity and relocated to a reserve in the west of the island. The wildfires, which are common during the country's dry season, were more intense this year due to the El Niño ocean warming phenomenon.
The International Animal Rescue Indonesia (Yiari) and the forestry ministry rescued 46 orangutans from fires in August and September. Conservation groups, such as the WWF, estimate that around 104,000 orangutans remain in Borneo and Sumatra, a significant decline from more than 230,000 a century ago. The relocation of these orangutans is a necessary step to ensure their survival, as their habitats were degraded by the fires and lacked food sources.
The reserve chosen for their release is connected to other forested areas and provides food and water, giving the orangutans a better chance of survival in their natural habitat.
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