Orangutan mother and calf rescued from burning forest in Indonesia

A mother orangutan and her offspring were evacuated from a forest threatened by wildfires in West Kalimantan, bringing recent rescues in the region to nine.

By Middle East Affairs

September 7, 2026

A close-up of a young orangutan's face showing large dark eyes and reddish-brown fur, with textured tree bark visible on the right side of the frame. — A rescued orangutan calf peers from behind a tree trunk. Recent wildfires in Indonesia's West Kalimantan region have threatened the habitat and endangered lives of many orangutans, prompting urgent rescue operations. (Al Jazeera English)

1 min read

Text size

A mother orangutan and her offspring were rescued from a shrinking forest patch threatened by wildfires in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The evacuation brings the total number of orangutans removed from Ketapang district to nine in less than a month.

Related coverage

UAE defeat Indonesia to keep semi-final hopes alive

The UAE defeated Indonesia by six wickets in the Women's Asia Cup to remain in contention for a semi-final place.

Sports

Orangutan mother and calf rescued from burning forest in Indonesia | Middle East Affairs