Jakarta. An endangered Bornean orangutan named Sempurna died after suffering severe respiratory distress, with Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry saying smoke exposure was a suspected contributing factor based on initial examinations and a post-mortem.

Sempurna, a Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), was found by residents in a severely weakened condition in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, on Aug. 30. The animal was showing signs of respiratory problems when rescuers arrived.

The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), working with the International Animal Rescue Indonesia Foundation (YIARI), immediately evacuated Sempurna and provided oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids.

“We deeply regret that Sempurna could not be saved. Since receiving the report from residents, the West Kalimantan BKSDA team, together with YIARI, immediately carried out the evacuation and provided medical treatment according to the animal's condition,” West Kalimantan BKSDA head Murlan Dameria Pane said on Thursday.

Sempurna was first spotted at around 7 a.m. in Sempurna Hamlet, Kuala Satong Village, North Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency. At around 11:30 a.m., the orangutan was transported to YIARI's rehabilitation center for further medical treatment.

But its condition continued to deteriorate. By around 2 p.m., Sempurna's breathing had become increasingly shallow and its oxygen saturation could no longer be detected.

Medical personnel performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation after the animal showed signs of respiratory arrest. Sempurna was pronounced dead at 3:20 p.m.

A necropsy conducted on Sept. 1 found pathological changes in several organs, particularly the lungs, heart and kidneys. Based on Sempurna's clinical history and the examination results, authorities said the lung damage was suspected to be linked to smoke exposure.

The smoke may have impaired lung function and triggered acute hypoxia, a condition in which the body is deprived of sufficient oxygen. The resulting oxygen shortage was also suspected of affecting cardiovascular function and contributing to Sempurna's death.

Murlan said public reports were critical to wildlife rescue efforts, particularly when animals were found sick, injured or affected by forest and land fires.

“The public plays a very important role. We urge people to immediately report any wild animal that needs help so officers can respond as quickly as possible,” he said.

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