KOTA KINABALU, July 16 ― Sabah Wildlife Department veterinarians are working round the clock to save a 20 year-old orangutan found severely injured in a palm oil plantation in Beluran.
The orangutan, which was found unconscious, had a deep slash on its shoulder likely to to be caused with a machete or ‘parang’, and puncture wounds on his forehead believed to have been caused by a local spear called “bujak”, according to the veterinarians.
“He is currently receiving medical treatment at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center’s Wildlife Clinic, and his condition is still severe although he has shown signs of improvement. The next 72 hours will be critical and we are hoping for the best,” said the department’s assistant director Dr Sen Nathan.
Oil palm smallholder Chong Vui Khoeng reported the presence of the orang utan Monday in Gedau, Beluran, where it was seen on July 12.
It was found unresponsive, in a state of shock, with very high body temperature, and had to be stabilised before thorough examination.
“The orangutan has a very high fever and collapsed due to exhaustion and the recurring infection from the wound,” said the department’s wildlife veterinarian Dr Laura Benedict.
“We had to put in two intravenous lines and have IV antibiotics, painkillers and fluids administered. He appeared a little bit more brighter and actually ate his first banana this morning,” she added.
The motive of the attack is not known, although local plantations sometimes see orangutan as pests that destroy young crops.
A police report has been lodged and the department is hoping that the culprits will be brought to justice.
Orangutans are listed as a totally protected and endangered species under Schedule 1 Part 1 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1997. Under this provision, offenders will face a mandatory prison sentence of six months to five years and/or fine up to RM50,000.00.
