Orangutan Found in Former Central Kalimantan Fire Zone with Abdominal Hernia

A male orangutan named Yondu was found near an area affected by forest and land fires in Kotawaringin Barat (Kobar), Central Kalimantan. The protected animal, estimated to be around 35 years old, was found to have an abdominal hernia.

Officers found Yondu in the Kolam KM 14 area of Mendawai Seberang village, Arut Selatan district, on Tuesday (27 October 2026). The orangutan, weighing about 89 kilograms, was eating pineapple shoots when discovered.

“During the examination, an abdominal hernia was found. Further tests are needed to determine its severity and the medical treatment required,” said Handi Nasoka, head of the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (KSDA) Region II in Pangkalan Bun, as reported by detikKalimantan on Wednesday (28 October 2026).

The Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) team was deployed after receiving a report from Kobar firefighters at around 3.42pm. Officers arrived at the site at about 5.22pm to carry out the rescue.

“The medical team sedated Yondu so he could be handled safely. The anaesthetic dose had to be adjusted because the orangutan had just finished eating,” he said.

“At around 7.43pm, Yondu was taken to Pangkalan Bun for further treatment. Initial examination found no open wounds or burns on his body,” he said.