We are utterly heartbroken to share the news that Sampurna, a 20-year-old male orangutan that suffered hypoxia due to smoke inhalation from forest fires, has tragically passed away.
YIARI hurried to Sampurna’s aid with Ministry of Forestry/ BKSDA. They found him unconscious, his breathing badly affected after days of thick smoke from the fires surrounding his habitat. The team gave him oxygen and fluids on the ground before taking him to the centre for further treatment.
Sampurna had no burns on his body, but the smoke had already caused serious damage. Sadly, despite the team’s best efforts, Sampurna left this world a few hours after being taken into care.
We are deeply devastated by this tragedy. We know it is a heartbreak that is profoundly shared by our frontline partners at YIARI and all our international community of wildlife advocates and supporters.
Karmele Llano Sanchez, Chief Executive of YIARI, who was one of the first on the scene during Sampurna’s rescue, expressed her deep sadness and frustration at the needless loss:
“Sampurna… I am so sorry. I’m so sorry that humans have failed you. We failed to protect your forest. We failed to protect the air you breathed. And when you needed us most, we couldn’t save you. I’m sorry that we couldn’t do more for you. I will not forget your last drop of tears. I hope that, somehow, you can forgive us. And that your death will not be in vain. Rest in peace, Sampurna. Your suffering is over now.”
YIARI has raced to the rescue of nine orangutans in less than a month. As the fires continue to intensify, exacerbated the super El Niño conditions, the team remain out on the ground, fighting fires, protecting land and forest, and carrying out emergency rescues when animals are pushed into danger.
To support YIARIs critical ongoing emergency response, visit: www.internationalanimalrescue.org/appeal/urgent-fire-crisis-fund