BKSDA Jambi rescues tapir trapped in well at Candi Muarajambi National Heritage Site

Muaro Jambi District — The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Jambi, assisted by local residents and security personnel, successfully rescued an endangered Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) from within the Candi Muarajambi National Heritage Site.

Himawan Sasongko, Head of BKSDA Jambi, confirmed the discovery and rescue of the protected animal on Tuesday in Jambi. He stated that officers are currently conducting further medical checks on the tapir’s condition and have secured the animal at the Wildlife Rescue Centre (TPS).

According to Zulmanudin, a veterinarian at BKSDA Jambi, the tapir is in generally good health. Based on observations, the animal is estimated to be approximately five years old and is female.

“We have secured it at the rescue centre. We checked it last night during the evacuation process and its condition is good. We ensured its safety with the help of local residents,” he said.

Following the discovery, BKSDA officers, with assistance from heritage site security and the community, conducted the evacuation to free the tapir, which had been trapped for some time in a one-metre-deep dry well during the rescue operation.

Sugianto, a resident, described how the discovery was made: “A resident called and sent a video of the tapir, and I then contacted the village military coordinator to request help from BKSDA officers. The officers arrived and rescued the animal. The evacuation process went smoothly, although the tapir was somewhat weakened from being trapped in the well.”