PREVIEW

Heartbreaking footage shows orangutans being rescued after devastating forest fires destroyed their habitat and forced them into plantations in Indonesia.

Eighteen orangutans have now been rescued in West Kalimantan in just one month as fires continue to threaten their forest home.

The latest operations saw six orangutans – including two mothers with tiny infants – rescued from Pemangkat Village in North Kayong Regency.

The animals had become trapped in plantation landscapes after fires cut off routes to the forest, leaving them searching for food and shelter closer to people.

The six were rescued on September 4 and 8 by Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, through the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), working with Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI).

They included mother and infant pairs Mama Nopi and Nopi and Mama Noni and Noni, along with juveniles Naufal and Nopan.

Veterinary teams used carefully controlled anaesthetic to safely evacuate the animals.

Naufal and Mama Nopi were found to be in generally good health, but Nopan's temperature had reached 40C and he required intravenous fluids.

Mama Noni, thought to be between 13 and 15 years old, was also suffering from a raised temperature and rapid breathing.

She was treated with fluids, oxygen and cold compresses.

Her infant Noni, believed to be just one to two months old, was still nursing and will be closely monitored.

All six orangutans were taken to the YIARI Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre for further treatment.

Experts warn that forest fires can leave orangutans cut off from food, shelter and safe routes through their habitat, forcing them into plantations and increasing the risk of conflict with people.

Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue, YIARI's UK partner, said: “This is a tragic and deeply distressing time for Indonesia’s orangutans.

“These rescues, including two mothers with their infants, reveal the devastating impact of wildfires.

“When flames destroy and fragment the forest, orangutans lose not only their homes, but also access to the food, shelter and safe routes they need to survive.”

He added: “The fact that 18 have required rescue in just one month is an alarming indication of the scale of this crisis.”

Rescue teams are continuing to patrol affected areas while the fires persist.

The orangutans could eventually be returned to the wild if conditions become safe and suitable habitat is available.