More orangutans find sanctuary

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Orangutan research center Wanariset Semboja has become the refuge for an additional 245 of the primates this year as forest fires decimate their habitat.

"We usually only take in an average of 100 orangutans, but due to the forest fire this year we have received 245 orangutans," manager of the orangutan reintroduction project, Aseta Nita Bustani, said.

She was quoted by Antara as saying that the number was even higher than in 1997 and 1998 when devastating fires and the accompanying haze sparked an international outcry.