RESCUING ROSE, FOUND IN A WEAKENED STATE
When habitat changes force sun bears into human settlements, swift rescue efforts are vital. Meet Rose, a young sun bear rescued in a weakened state, now receiving intensive care at Samboja Lestari.
When the dry season arrives, forest and land fires (karhutla) become a threat to Kalimantan's forests and wildlife. The impact is not only felt in burned areas. Smoke can spread to surrounding regions and degrade air quality, while hot and dry weather adds challenges to wildlife care efforts
Forest and land fires can create haze that reduces air quality, while hot and dry weather conditions can place additional stress on orangutan welfare. Smoke exposure has the potential to disrupt the respiratory system, whereas high environmental temperatures can cause discomfort and increase the risk of health issues. Therefore, supporting measures are needed to help maintain environmental conditions around orangutans during the karhutla season
Orangutans can also be affected by smoke exposure. For this reason, the BOS Foundation carries out various efforts to maintain orangutan welfare during the karhutla season, including utilizing sprinkler systems in several areas of the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Central Kalimantan
This system is installed in several locations, including the quarantine complex, socialization complex, playground area, and forest school. Its use serves as one of the supporting steps to help manage environmental conditions around orangutans during hot and dry weather.
Fire smoke contains a mixture of fine particles and various gases that can disrupt respiratory health. Research on wild orangutans in Kalimantan shows that fire smoke exposure can affect their activity patterns and energy balance
Under certain conditions, water droplets from the sprinkler system can help settle some of the airborne particles floating in the air. Water spraying can also help reduce dust and provide a cooling effect in areas reached by the system
However, sprinklers are not air-filtering devices and cannot eliminate all pollutants in the smoke, especially harmful gases. Therefore, their use should be viewed as a supporting measure, rather than a substitute for air quality monitoring and efforts to reduce smoke exposure
Hot weather is also a concern in orangutan care. Water spraying can help lower ambient temperatures around the sprayed area and increase local humidity. Its benefits depend on weather conditions, air circulation, as well as the settings and reach of the system used
Changing environmental conditions during the karhutla season can add challenges to maintaining the welfare of orangutans in care. Smoke, high temperatures, and changes in routines need to be considered as part of monitoring their condition
Water mist from sprinklers also provides environmental enrichment where orangutans engage in activities. In socialization areas and forest schools, water exposure can serve as an additional sensory experience that mimics some rainfall conditions. Nevertheless, each individual's response may vary, so its benefits on behavior and stress levels need to be evaluated through care team observations
In orangutan rehabilitation, environmental management is an important part of efforts to meet animal needs. The use of sprinklers can support these efforts, as long as operation is adjusted to orangutan conditions, weather, and care needs.
Sprinklers can also be used to wet specific areas around rehabilitation facilities. However, watering does not guarantee that an area will remain free from fires, particularly in peatlands where subterranean burning can occur below the surface
Therefore, sprinkler use must go hand-in-hand with other preparedness measures, such as patrols, hotspot monitoring, water source inspections, and monitoring of weather conditions and air quality
Facing karhutla requires multi-layered and sustained efforts. Through environmental management, health monitoring, and field preparedness, the BOS Foundation continues to strive to safeguard the welfare of orangutans in its care throughout ongoing fire and smoke threats.
When habitat changes force sun bears into human settlements, swift rescue efforts are vital. Meet Rose, a young sun bear rescued in a weakened state, now receiving intensive care at Samboja Lestari.
Post-release monitoring allows us to observe orangutans in the wild. Recent sightings of Meryl and Lykke in TNBBBR show both female orangutans actively foraging and displaying excellent nest-building skills.
Forest fires create a hidden crisis for wildlife. Beyond destroying habitats, smoke exposure threatens orangutans' health, restricts food and water, and violates core animal welfare principles across Kalimantan's ecosystems.
