Rescuers evacuate endangered orangutans as Indonesian wildfires spread across Borneo

Rescue teams in Indonesia are working to evacuate endangered orangutans who are stranded, injured, and surrounded by thick haze as wildfires sweep across parts of Borneo island, Mongabay reported. The rescue efforts come as fires threaten wildlife habitats across both Borneo and Sumatra. [1]

Among the animals rescued in recent months is a female Bornean orangutan named Novita, who was saved alongside dozens of other apes, according to Mongabay. Elsewhere in the country, wildfires spreading into residential areas in Bangka Belitung destroyed more than 300 houses and displaced 500 people, according to reports from Reuters, Internazionale, Voice of Nigeria, The Business Standard, and DD News. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

The Bornean orangutan is endemic to Borneo and is the largest of the three Asian great ape species. The species is characterized by a coarse reddish coat, and males develop large cheek pads known as flanges. [8]

The environmental conditions coincide with an ongoing El Nino event, which was declared by the World Meteorological Organization on 2 June 2026. The organization reported that the event is classified as a very strong El Nino and is expected to peak between November and December. [7]