Despite its role as a biofuel, palm oil's affordability and versatility have led to significant ecological consequences. It remains a primary cause of deforestation in some of the world's most species-rich forests, decimating the habitats of many endemic and endangered species, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and Sumatran rhinos.
In yet another incident highlighting the dire consequences of palm oil plantations on the environment, a distressing event occurred in March 2019.
Rescuers discovered an injured Sumatran Orangutan and her malnourished baby at a palm oil plantation in the Subulussalam district of Aceh province on the island of Sumatra.
The mother orangutan was in a horrific state, suffering from wounds, blindness, and multiple broken bones.
The rescue team rushed them to a quarantine center. Sadly, the infant orangutan, found in severe traumatic and malnourished condition, did not survive the journey.
Veterinarians were appalled upon examining the mother orangutan.
The information center released a statement:
"We have named this orangutan Hope, embodying a thousand hopes for her recovery. She is among the most heartbreaking cases we have encountered."
X-rays revealed approximately 74 air rifle pellets lodged in her body, with many in her eyes, causing blindness. Her collarbone and several other bones were broken, and she had sustained injuries from a sharp object on her right arm.
The information center added:
“Sincerely speaking, we were very shocked by finding the result. 74 air rifle bullets, damaged eyes, fractured bones, sharp tool wound and not to mention a deep traumatic condition, yet she doesn’t give up.”
The Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) then explained that the orangutan was recovering after many surgeries, but losing her baby while she was still breastfeeding has had a major mental effect on her.
Yenny Saraswati, a veterinarian, said:
“Hopefully Hope can pass this critical period, but she cannot be released to the wild anymore.”
They added:
“We know she will be able to get through all of this, as she is one true fighter.”
Orangutans in Sumatra and Borneo face numerous challenges and hardships. The orangutan conservation program reports that people use air guns to harm or deter orangutans and other animals.
Over the past decade, veterinarians have treated more than 10 orangutans, removing approximately 500 air gun pellets from their bodies. The IUCN Red List states that only 13,500 Sumatran orangutans remain in the wild.
Habitat loss and human interference are the primary causes of their population's dramatic decline.
These tragic circumstances should serve as a reminder that it is imperative to halt these harmful practices and protect these endangered species. There is always a solution. Preserving their lives is the minimum we owe them.
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