Orangutan named Sempurna dies after being found in critical condition in palm oil plantation

The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has announced that an orangutan named Sempurna has died after being found in critical condition in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. Necropsy results point towards suspected impacts from smoke exposure.

“From the results of the necropsy performed on the orangutan, the medical team from IAR Indonesia found significant pathological changes in several vital organs, particularly the lungs, which experienced congestion and partial atelectasis,” said the Head of BKSDA West Kalimantan, Murlan Dameria Pane, in Pontianak on Friday.

Previously, the orangutan Sempurna was discovered within a local resident’s palm oil plantation in Sempurna Hamlet, Kuala Satong Village, North Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency.

Reports regarding the animal’s condition were received by BKSDA West Kalimantan last Sunday (30/8) at approximately 07:00 WIB from the local community.

Officers provided initial treatment, including oxygen and intravenous fluids, before transporting the orangutan to the IAR Indonesia Foundation rehabilitation centre at around 11:30 WIB.

However, Sempurna’s condition continued to deteriorate. The medical team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but the animal was ultimately declared dead at 15:20 WIB.

Murlan Dameria Pane stated that preliminary examination results suggest exposure to smoke, which caused impaired lung function and acute hypoxia.

BKSDA West Kalimantan expressed appreciation to the community for promptly reporting the animal’s condition, noting that rapid reporting is a crucial factor in providing aid to wildlife that is sick, injured, or affected by emergencies.

BKSDA urges the public not to handle sick, injured, or smoke-affected wildlife themselves, but to report such findings immediately to the authorities.

“The public can report wildlife findings to BKSDA West Kalimantan via 08115776767 or to officers in the Ketapang region via 08115670041,” he added.