Forest fire rescuer saves oxygen-starved orangutan in West Kalimantan

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 AUGUST 2026 —

KETAPANG, Indonesia – A farmer who stumbled on a weakened orangutan on a palm‑oil plantation near a raging forest fire on Sunday morning was able to secure the animal’s rescue, the wildlife foundation Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia said.

The farmer, known only as Jais, was on his way to his farm in Ketapang, West Kalimantan – the province most affected by the fires – when he found the orangutan lying on a net, eyes closed and visibly weak. “It was very weak, then I gave it water,” Jais told Reuters. He and other residents immediately alerted authorities.

About two hours later, a team from Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia arrived with veterinarian Komara. By then the animal had fainted. The foundation’s chief executive, Karmele Llano Sanchez, said the orangutan suffered hypoxia because of the “very thick smoke in the area.” Komara confirmed that the animal showed no severe burn injuries but was experiencing breathing difficulties and had vomited, suggesting an acute respiratory infection.

The orangutan, estimated to be around 20 years old, was named Sampurna after the village where it was found.

Veterinary staff administered oxygen through nasal tubes and provided intravenous fluids via a makeshift infusion bag hung from a palm‑oil frond. Sampurna will be transferred to a rehabilitation centre for further treatment and, once recovered, will be released back into the wild. Komara noted that the foundation has rescued seven orangutans from fire‑related incidents so far.

Sanchez warned that the government’s response must extend beyond fire suppression to address the longer‑term impacts on public health, forests and wildlife. “The government must not only focus on containing fires, but prepare for the long‑term effects on public health, forests and wildlife,” she said.

The haze from the fires has already affected Malaysia, where schools have moved classes online and health officials have reported a rise in respiratory complaints. The cross‑border smoke illustrates the regional economic and social repercussions of Indonesia’s fire season, which threatens tourism, agriculture and supply chains in both countries.

The Forestry Ministry’s latest data, released on Monday, highlight the accelerating scale of the blazes. With more than 202,010 hectares burned from January to July, the ministry has stepped up coordination among fire‑fighting units and is working with local communities to prevent further spread. The ministry has not disclosed additional funding or specific timelines for containment.

The rescue of Sampurna adds to a growing list of wildlife emergencies linked to the fires. According to the foundation, seven orangutans have been rescued this year, each requiring intensive care and rehabilitation. The organization plans to continue monitoring fire‑affected habitats and to collaborate with authorities on wildlife rescue protocols.

The incident reflects the broader challenge of balancing Indonesia’s palm‑oil industry, which underpins much of the regional economy, with the need to protect biodiversity and public health. As the fire season progresses, both Indonesian and Malaysian officials are expected to intensify joint efforts to mitigate haze and safeguard vulnerable communities and wildlife.