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How to help orangutans

Conservation explainer · Indonesia

Orangutan Rehabilitation in East Kalimantan

Orangutan rehabilitation in East Kalimantan includes specialist veterinary assessment, forest school and preparation for release where suitable. BOS Foundation describes this work at Samboja Lestari. WARN does not operate that centre or claim a grant relationship with it. For the current wildlife fire response, read the separate Kalimantan appeal and its recipient-selection status.

Reviewed · WARN Editorial Team

At a glance

Species
Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
Location
East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo
Example described by its operator
BOS Foundation’s Samboja Lestari centre
WARN’s role
Education and developing support through eligible grants; no WARN-run centre

What happens during orangutan rehabilitation?

BOS Foundation describes health assessment and quarantine before an orangutan joins a suitable forest-school group. Care aims to develop the abilities needed for independent forest life. Rehabilitation is an individual process: an animal’s health, history and behaviour affect its options. An emergency rescue therefore does not automatically lead to a release.

Why forest school and suitable habitat both matter

Young orangutans need opportunities to develop foraging, climbing and nest-building skills. BOS Foundation’s account of island repairs at Samboja Lestari illustrates how facilities serve different needs: some islands support preparation for release, while others provide sanctuary for animals unable to return to the wild. Keeping care facilities functional and protecting habitat are both part of responsible conservation.

How this relates to the Kalimantan fires

Kalimantan comprises several Indonesian provinces on Borneo. The Sampurna incident described in WARN’s September 2026 briefing took place in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. It must not be presented as an incident at Samboja Lestari in East Kalimantan. Our fire appeal covers eligible response, recovery and prevention in Indonesian Kalimantan, with its own fund terms and review process.

What WARN can responsibly say about funding

WARN staff are meeting organisations in Indonesia to understand needs, with funding shortages raised in those discussions. No Kalimantan grantee has yet been selected. A source citation, photograph or description of another organisation’s work is not evidence that WARN funded it. Recipient decisions, payments and subsequent results belong in the public grant register when records are available.

Choose how to help orangutans

Read where your money goes and how recipients are assessed. WARN is a community interest company, not a registered charity, and does not offer Gift Aid.

Questions about rehabilitation and giving

Does WARN run an orangutan rehabilitation centre in East Kalimantan?

No. This page explains work described by conservation organisations. WARN does not operate Samboja Lestari and does not claim a grant relationship with BOS Foundation. Read the grant register for any published recipient and payment records.

Can every rescued orangutan return to the wild?

No. Release suitability depends on professional assessment of an animal’s health and ability to live independently, as well as a suitable destination. Some orangutans need ongoing sanctuary care. BOS Foundation’s Samboja Lestari account distinguishes sanctuary islands from islands used to prepare animals for release.

How much does it cost to rehabilitate an orangutan?

Costs vary by organisation, care needs, duration and facilities. WARN has not published an agreed East Kalimantan project budget and does not attach a guaranteed day of care or rescue result to a donation amount. Any future grant should explain its purpose and agreed budget.

Was the orangutan Sampurna rescued in East Kalimantan?

No. The reported rescue on 30 August 2026 took place in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. The responders were YIARI and BKSDA Kalimantan Barat. The animal later died; smoke was reported as a suspected contributor. Read the linked incident briefing for the original reports and chronology.

Which appeal should I choose to help orangutans?

Choose the Kalimantan wildlife fire appeal for its designated response, recovery and prevention purpose. Choose the wider orangutan appeal for eligible orangutan welfare and conservation support. Symbolic adoption is another giving route with an adoption-themed acknowledgement. Read the terms for the route you choose before paying.

Sources and further reading

The operator’s reports explain its own work. They are not evidence of a WARN grant or permission to fundraise on its behalf.

Read the orangutan wildlife guide →