Wildfires in Borneo continue to pose a threat to air quality for both people and animals, damaging the food sources needed by endangered orangutans. Thankfully, a nonprofit focused on primate rescue and conservation in Indonesia has saved 53 orangutans from these fires, with many being returned to forest reserves. Since August, the YIARI team has worked quickly to address urgent situations, including rescuing stranded animals and relocating others to Gunung Palung National Park, located five hours away. The team has also rescued several mothers and their infants, who were in critical condition.
A recent photo shared with the media features Dr. Karmele Llano Sanchez, the CEO of YIARI, holding a young orangutan named Irene. Gavin Bruce, the CEO of International Animal Rescue, which collaborates with YIARI, mentioned that the image highlights the resemblance between orangutans and humans through their movements and expressions. Dr. Karmel, a wildlife veterinarian, reported that Irene appeared stressed and underweight, suggesting she might have gone days without food due to the devastated forest.
Currently, many of the rescued orangutans are receiving care at the Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. However, the facility is at capacity, leading YIARI to seek public donations to assist their efforts. There is hope that the seasonal rains, which have been delayed from October to November, will help put out the ongoing fires. How can the public support these important rescue efforts?
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Source: Good News Network, by Good News Network