Wildfires threaten Indonesia’s orangutans as rescuers find injured animals

Jakarta, Indonesia (AP) — As wildfires ravage parts of Indonesia's Borneo island, endangering orangutans, rescuers are rushing to save injured animals caught in the blaze. A female Bornean orangutan, named Novita, is among dozens of apes rescued from the fires in Sumatra and Borneo. Drenched in dense smoke, Novita was discovered clinging to a nearly leafless tree in Katune forest, Central Kalimantan province, according to Jamartin Sihite, chairman of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation.

The orangutan's palms and soles bear signs of burns, likely from crossing a scorched area in pursuit of a tree. Sihite recounted that Novita, believed to be between 3 and 4 years old, was tranquilized, provided with oxygen and intravenous fluids, and taken to a rehabilitation center in Nyaru Menteng. Once her wounds heal, her ability to climb and survive in the wild will be assessed, Sihite said.

The foundation remains optimistic about Novita's prospects, as previously released orangutans with missing fingers have managed to adapt and thrive. The Indonesian wildfires have intensified this year due to the prolonged dry season exacerbated by El Niño, extending beyond Borneo to some regions on Sumatra. Water scarcity has further complicated rescue efforts.