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Eight critically endangered orangutans released back into the wild in Borneo after wildfire rescues
Overview
Eight orangutans, including three mothers, their three daughters, and two adult males, have been released into a reserve in western Borneo after being rescued from wildfires during the summer. Indonesian authorities rescued a total of 46 orangutans in August and September amid intense wildfires exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon and land-clearing practices. Conservationists stressed the relocation was necessary as the apes' original habitats were burned, fragmented, and rendered unable to sustain them.
Key points
- Eight orangutans were released into a reserve in western Borneo on Friday by International Animal Rescue Indonesia (Yiari) and the forestry ministry.
- The group consisted of three mothers, their three daughters, and two adult males who had been placed in captivity after their habitats were threatened by wildfires.
- Indonesian authorities rescued 46 critically endangered orangutans from fires in August and September.
- Wildfires in Indonesia intensified this year due to the El Niño ocean warming phenomenon and land-clearing practices for plantations.
- The WWF estimates around 104,000 orangutans remain in Borneo and Sumatra, down from over 230,000 a century ago.
- The chosen release reserve provides adequate food, water, and connections to other forested areas to ensure the animals have a chance to survive.