InfoSAWIT, BERAU — A male baby orangutan found alone in an oil palm plantation in Miau Baru Village, Kongbeng District, East Kutai, East Kalimantan, is now undergoing intensive rehabilitation after being rescued from a hazardous environment.

The orangutan, later named Jack, was discovered on November 30, 2025, beneath an oil palm tree in weak condition, suffering from fever and malnutrition. Abrasions were found on his hands and feet, likely caused by palm thorns. Residents cared for him for three days before reporting the case to the East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA).

Authorities quickly evacuated Jack and transferred him to Conservation Action Network (CAN) for medical treatment and rehabilitation. CAN Founder and Director Paulinus Kristanto said rapid public reporting played a key role in the rescue.

“Jack arrived in a worrying state — stressed, feverish, and with infected thorn wounds,” he said, citing a report from RRI.

Initial examinations showed mild dehydration and severe malnutrition with a Body Condition Score of 1. A serious infected wound was found on his left foot. Based on dental assessment, Jack is estimated to be under one year old — an age when he should still be with his mother.

His condition has since improved, with stabilized temperature, better appetite, and healing wounds. Follow-up lab tests found no major disease or parasitic infection.

BKSDA East Kalimantan Head M. Ari Wibawanto said the rehabilitation aims to restore both physical health and natural behavior, with release planned once he meets survival criteria. (T2)