Indonesia's authorities have rescued an orangutan mother and her baby from wildfires that are threatening their habitat in West Kalimantan, according to a local natural resources conservation agency. The pair had been under observation since July after being spotted in a plantation area near a forest in the region. As the fires spread closer to their location, officials decided to move the animals to a rescue center managed by the Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), a wildlife foundation focused on conservation and rehabilitation. The orangutans are now receiving care at the center, where their health is being closely monitored by veterinarians. Initial checks found no burn injuries, but experts note that prolonged exposure to smoke can harm the respiratory system of these great apes, especially when smoke concentrations are high. YIARI veterinarian Komara explained that while the rescued mother and baby are currently stable, their long-term health will depend on how well they recover from potential smoke inhalation. Both will continue to be monitored while they stay at the rescue and rehabilitation center. This latest rescue brings the total number of orangutans evacuated due to wildfire threats in the Ketapang district of West Kalimantan to nine in less than a month. This highlights the devastating impact of wildfires, which not only destroy forests but also leave animals without shelter or food. YIARI's operational director, Argitoe Ranting, emphasized that most animals in these areas have limited options to escape burning habitats. The fires force them into dangerous situations, often with fatal consequences. This was tragically illustrated by the death of one orangutan that was rescued last week. A necropsy found that smoke exposure was the cause of death, according to a statement from the West Kalimantan natural resources conservation agency. The incident underscores the urgent need for better fire prevention and wildlife protection measures in the region.