Mother Orangutan Embraces Her Infant During Evacuation Amidst Forest Fire Impacted Land

A mother and infant orangutan were rescued from a palm oil plantation area in Pelang Village, South Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, on Friday (18/09/2026). The pair were found clinging to an acacia tree on a plot of approximately 400 square metres surrounded by palm oil plantations, lacking any food sources and severely impacted by forest fires.

A joint team from the West Kalimantan BKSDA (Natural Resources Conservation Agency) and the Indonesia Nature Rehabilitation Initiative Foundation (YIARI) evacuated both primates to receive medical examinations and treatment. During the rescue process, the infant was seen embracing its mother, who was receiving oxygen assistance.

As of 16 September 2026, YIARI has recorded that 21 orangutans have been evacuated from areas affected by forest and land fires in Ketapang and North Kayong, demonstrating the significant impact of these fires on wildlife and their habitats.