Forest and peatland wildfires continue to burn across the island of Borneo, endangering the air quality for both humans and wildlife—and torching the food supply for critically endangered orangutans.
Fortunately, thanks to an 18-year nonprofit that focuses on primate rescue and conservation in Indonesia, a total of 53 orangutans have been rescued from the fires, with many rewilded to other forest preserves in the country.
Since August, the YIARI team has raced to respond to a string of urgent cases, including animals stranded, rewilding others to the Gunung Palung National Park five hours away, and saving several mothers and infants—all rescued in critical condition.
A new photo released to the media shows Dr. Karmele Llano Sanchez, the CEO of YIARI, comforting a young orangutan named Irene.
“They have worked around the clock and… Baby Irene is just one tiny example of their hard work,” said Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue, which partners with YIARI.
He believes the photo of a young orangutan in Dr. Karmele’s arms allows us to see “how similar we are to orangutans, when you see their movements and facial expressions.”
Dr. Karmel, a wildlife veterinarian, says Irene looked stressed and very thin. “She may have gone for days without finding any food in this devastated forest.”
WHAT A COMEBACK: Rescued Orangutans Released Into Isolated Forest Are Now Raising Babies, Creating New Wild Population
Many of the survivors remain under veterinary care at their Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, as the team continues to patrol fire-affected areas and respond to urgent calls for help.
But, YIARI’s centre is now full—and they are asking for public donations to support their critical work.
Hopefully, seasonal rains—delayed from October into November—will be sufficient to help extinguish the blazes.
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