Orangutan Found Unconscious in Ketapang Plantation Due to Forest Fire Smoke
An adult male orangutan was found lethargic and unconscious in a local resident’s palm oil plantation in Laman Satong Village, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. The orangutan, named Sampurna, is believed to have been affected by exposure to thick smoke from forest and land fires (karhutla).
Local residents discovered Sampurna at approximately 06:00 WIB on Sunday (30/8). Upon discovery, the orangutan was already in a very weak condition. A joint team from the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Ketapang Regional Conservation Section I and the Indonesia Nature Rehabilitation Initiative Foundation (YIARI) immediately proceeded to the location after receiving the report.
“This morning, we received information from the community regarding the presence of an orangutan near the plantation. We immediately conducted a field check and found the orangutan in a weakened state,” said Sarbandi, a staff member of BKSDA West Kalimantan’s Ketapang Regional Conservation Section I, as reported on Monday (31/8/2026).
He suspects that the forest fires have caused Sampurna to drift from his natural habitat into the resident’s plantation area. A YIARI veterinarian provided oxygen and intravenous fluids because the orangutan was experiencing respiratory issues. From the initial examination, no open wounds or burns were found on Sampurna’s body.
YIARI veterinarian, Komara, stated that exposure to smoke from forest fires can have serious impacts on the orangutan’s respiratory system. According to him, Sampurna’s condition points towards suspected impairment due to smoke exposure.
“We still need to conduct further examinations to determine the extent of the impact on his health condition,” he said.
After receiving initial treatment, Sampurna was evacuated to the YIARI Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Sungai Awan Kiri. Sampurna will undergo a comprehensive health check, including assessments for potential damage or impairment to the lungs and other internal organs resulting from smoke exposure.