Nine orangutans rescued from devastating fires, fueled by El Nino, in West Kalimantan have been given a second chance at life in the wild, following their release into the safer surroundings of Batu Nyambu Protected Forest.
On Thursday 29 October, four mother-and-infant pairs and one adult female were returned to the forest after weeks of recovery at YIARI’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
The mothers and their babies – Mama Angelo and Angelo, Mama Ocha and Ocha, Mama Satya and Satya, and Mama Pia and Pia – were rescued from fire-affected areas across Ketapang, alongside adult female Mama Noni.
When found, all nine were dehydrated and malnourished after struggling to survive in fire-ravaged habitat. Some had also suffered burns to their feet, including Mama Ocha and Ocha, believed to have been caused by exposure to embers while crossing burning peatland.
Three more lives to protect
Their return to the wild is therefore especially important, giving these mothers the opportunity to raise their future young in a safer forest habitat.
A forest safe from fire
Batu Nyambu Protected Forest was carefully selected following an assessment of its suitability for orangutans. Covering approximately 23,000 hectares, it offers abundant natural food, fresh water, nesting trees and space for orangutans to roam.
Its rich biodiversity includes primary and secondary forest, stretching from lowland to submontane habitats.
Crucially, Batu Nyambu and the surrounding forests have remained free from the fires that devastated other parts of the region.
The forest’s protection is also closely linked to the neighbouring Dayak communities, who have long depended on and helped safeguard these woodlands as a vital source of their livelihoods.
For the nine orangutans, this forest offers something they desperately need: a safe, suitable and protected place to recover, raise their young and live wild.
A 12-hour journey to freedom
YIARI’s Director of Operations highlighted the importance of this local involvement:
“We are grateful for the support of the community, village governments and traditional leaders. The long-term success of conservation efforts depends not only on protecting the area, but also on the role of the people living around the forest in safeguarding habitat and preventing various threats to wildlife.”
The release marks an important milestone for these nine orangutans after fires damaged their original habitat, destroyed food sources and reduced the space available to them, making it difficult to meet their basic survival needs.