Rescuers save dozens of orangutans from Indonesian wildfires

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 16:14 · Archive

Conservation groups have rescued at least 51 critically endangered orangutans from Indonesian wildfires burning across Borneo and Sumatra islands between August 6 and October 19. The West Kalimantan conservation agency and Indonesian non-profit YIARI said a team evacuated the orangutans from locations in the province during this period.

The fires have triggered a months-long pollution spell that has closed schools, fuelled a surge in respiratory conditions among humans and animals, and restricted outdoor activities across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and East Timor. Pollution levels have ranged from unhealthy to very unhealthy across the region. Singapore has experienced its longest duration of unhealthy air levels since a severe haze crisis in 2015, with the current spell beginning on October 5.

Figures from Indonesia's forestry ministry suggested this week that the number of orangutans rescued over recent months in Kalimantan could be as high as 96, though officials could not immediately be reached to clarify the discrepancy. The fires have been intensified by a turbo-charged El Niño weather phenomenon.

Rescuers save dozens of orangutans from Indonesian wildfires — Image: France 24

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How it is being reported

Dozens of critically endangered orangutans saved from rampant wildfires in IndonesiaConservation groups have saved at least 51 orangutans in Indonesia from August 6 to October 19 as rampant wildfires and a months-long pollution spell have threatened their natural habitat.France 24 · 18 Oct, 12:25
Dozens of critically endangered orangutans rescued from Indonesian wildfiresRescuers in Indonesia have saved dozens of orangutans from wildfires. The critically endangered species is fighting for their lives and habitats during this deadly wildfire season.NPR · 17 Oct, 12:43

In this story: Indonesia · West Kalimantan · YIARI · Singapore · Malaysia · Borneo · Sumatra · East Timor

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