Dead Orangutan Allegedly Affected by Forest and Land Fire Smoke

PONTIANAK, GARISBUMI.com – An adult male orangutan named Perfect died after being found in a very weak condition and experiencing respiratory problems in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan (Kalbar). Exposure to smoke from forest and land fires or forest and land fires is thought to be one of the factors contributing to the death of these protected animals.

The West Kalimantan (Kalbar) Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) in its official statement, Thursday, September 3 2026, stated that Perfect died on Sunday, August 30 2026.

The orangutan was previously found in a dry ditch in an oil palm plantation area owned by residents in Perfect Hamlet, Kuala Satong Village, North Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency.

The public first reported Perfect's whereabouts at around 07.00 WIB. Following up on the report, the West Kalimantan (Kalbar) BKSDA together with the International Animal Rescue Indonesia Foundation (YIARI) immediately sent a team to carry out the rescue.

When found, Perfect was unable to stand and could only move in a limited way. The orangutan also appeared to be having difficulty breathing.

The team provided first aid in the form of oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids. At around 11.30 WIB, Perfect was taken to the YIARI rehabilitation center to receive further medical treatment.

However, his condition continued to worsen. At around 14.00 WIB, Perfect's breathing became shallower and his oxygen saturation could not be detected.

After the orangutan showed signs of respiratory arrest, the medical team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Perfect was finally declared dead at 15.20 WIB.

Necropsy Finds Lung Disorders

To determine the health condition and factors suspected to have caused Perfect's death, the team conducted a necropsy on September 1 2026.

The examination results showed pathological changes in a number of organs, especially the lungs, heart and kidneys. In the lungs, there is congestion or accumulation of blood as well as partial atelectasis, which is a condition where part of the lung tissue does not expand completely.

This disorder is mainly found in the caudoventral part of both lung lobes.

Based on the clinical history and necropsy results, the pathological changes in Perfect's lungs were thought to be related to smoke exposure. This exposure has the potential to disrupt lung function and cause acute hypoxia or a condition where the body experiences a lack of oxygen.

This condition is further suspected to have disrupted cardiovascular function and contributed to Perfect's death.

However, the West Kalimantan (Kalbar) BKSDA is still carrying out examinations and investigations to get a more complete picture of the health condition and factors that contributed to the orangutan's death.

BKSDA Appreciates Community Reports

Head of the West Kalimantan (Kalbar) BKSDA, Murlan Dameria Pane, expressed his condolences over the death of Perfect. He also appreciated the public who immediately reported the orangutan's whereabouts.

“We are very sorry that Perfect could not be saved. "Since receiving the report from the public, the West Kalimantan (Kalbar) BKSDA team together with YIARI immediately carried out an evacuation and provided medical treatment according to the animal's condition," he said. Murlan said.

According to him, further examinations were carried out to determine his health condition and factors suspected of contributing to Perfect's death.

Murlan emphasized that public reports have an important role in efforts to save wild animals, especially when animals are found sick, injured or affected by forest and land fires.

“The role of society is very important. "We urge the public to immediately report if they find wild animals that need help so that officers can immediately follow up," he said. he said.

The West Kalimantan (Kalbar) BKSDA also reminds the public not to handle wild animals found sick, injured or affected by forest and land fires themselves.

Findings of wild animals that need help can be reported via the West Kalimantan (Kalbar) BKSDA Call Center at 0811-5776-767 or 0811-5670-041 for the Ketapang Regency area. (ed)