Rescuers move orangutans to safety after Borneo fires

Did you know that orangutans are one of our closest animal cousins? They share about 97% of their DNA with humans. These amazing apes live in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. But in 2024, terrible wildfires put their homes in great danger.

The fires were very intense that summer. Thick smoke filled the air. Many trees burned down. The orangutans lost their forest homes and food. People who work to protect animals could not leave them there. So rescue workers decided to help.

The rescuers carefully moved the apes to new, safe areas. Moving wild animals is hard work. The workers had to plan everything carefully. They made sure each orangutan was healthy first. Then they transported them slowly to protected forests. These new forests were far away from the fires.

Orangutans need big trees and lots of space to live. They spend most of their time in the trees, looking for fruit and building nests. Now, in their new homes, they can do this again. The forests there are healthy and strong. No fires threaten them there.

This story shows us something important. When we protect forests, we protect the animals that live in them too. Orangutans cannot save themselves from fires. They need our help. Many people worked together to rescue these animals. Their work gives us hope.

Think about this: what do you think happens to an animal when it loses its home? How can we help protect forests and the animals living in them?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.