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IAR Orangutan Rescue Centre, West Kalimantan

International Animal Rescue (IAR) signed an Memorandum of Understanding in August 2009 with the Forestry Department in West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, agreeing on plans for the rescue, rehabilitation and relocation of orangutans that have lost their forest habitat to make way for oil palm plantations. The agreement allows for the purchase of land and the creation of facilities where the rescued orangutans can be rehabilitated before being released back into protected areas of forest.

IAR Indonesia became involved with the orangutan cause in West Kalimantan in 2009. There was only a sub-standard, temporary orangutan rescue centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan at that stage. IAR took over this centre in 2009 and with financial assistance from AOP built demountable cages to house the rescued orangutans. By early 2010, the conditions had greatly improved at the centre and professional veterinary care was available. Veterinary Director Karmele Llano Sanchez and her team had started to treat the injuries and ailments of the existing orangutans and had brought in a number of new rescued orangutans. A unit of four new enclosures had been designed, built and erected and some of the larger orangutans were enjoying a taste of freedom as they swung vigorously in the hammocks and tyres and played with other orangutans, perhaps for the first time in their lives. A nutritious diet with plenty of varied fruits and nuts had begun to improve their health and the environmental enrichment introduced into the cages on a daily basis had greatly increased their mental and physical stimulation.

 A 25ha area of land in the Ketapang district was purchased in 2010 by IAR Indonesia, with financial assistance from AOP. A rescue and rehabilitation facility is being constructed on this site that will act as a transit centre for wild orangutans rescued from deforestation and also as a rehabilitation facility for captive orangutans rescued in the area. AOP is assisting with the construction of this rehabilitation facility including enclosures 1ha in size built around forested areas so young orangutans can practice their climbing skills. IAR Indonesia plans to secure land further north in the province of West Kalimantan so orangutans can be released in the future.

 AOP’s financial assistance will cover the costs of constructing further 1ha enclosures and assist with the running costs at the Ketapang rescue and rehabilitation facility.

Orangutan Rescue Team

The Orangutan Rescue Team will operate in the Kayong Ketapang District and North District and Province of West Kalimantan.

Functions and Duties include :

1. Perform rescue and rehabilitation of orangutans in Ketapang and the District of North Kayong and the translocation of orangutans in the province of West Kalimantan.

2. Collecting data on crimes against violations of the Act, especially related to the hunting and trade in orangutans.

3.  Provide medical assistance when performing rescues and translocations.

Project Leader