Orangutans Rebound in Borneo After Devastating Wildfires

Eight critically endangered apes, housed in transport cages for weeks after escaping burning oil‑palm plantations, were released today into a protected reserve in western Borneo, officials said.

The release follows a record‑breaking El Niño‑driven fire season that scorched large swaths of forest, endangering around 50000 of the island’s remaining orangutan population, conservation groups warn.

Three mother‑offspring pairs and two adult males are among those freed; rescuers said the reserve has abundant fruit trees, water, and is linked to wider forest corridors, giving the apes realistic chances to survive.

Yiari CEO Karmele Llano Sanchez described the move as "necessary", noting the fires had destroyed thousands of hectares of habitat and pushed the apes into close contact with humans.

Experts fear continued climate volatility and rampant land clearing will further reduce suitable habitat, potentially making Borneo’s remaining forest uninhabitable for future generations of orangutans.

The event will be streamed live by RTW, with viewers able to join a real‑time chat and ask questions of conservation specialists on site.