Landslides destroy orangutan station

Prolonged rainfall on Sumatra has caused several major landslides that have hit our Quarantine and Rehabilitation Centre on Sumatra hard.

Emergency aid for the orangutans after the landslides

CHF 382’564 of the required CHF 500,000 have been collected so far.

77%

Please donate now and help the affected orangutans.

Landslides

At 1:00 am on 27 November, our Quarantine and Rehabilitation Centre on Sumatra was hit by several massive landslides caused by days of heavy rainfall.

First assessment

Fortunately, it was quickly established that none of the team had been injured. Before the event, we had 41 orangutans in our care. It was initially unclear how they were doing.

Orangutan search

Eighteen orangutans were swept out of their enclosures by the mudslides and were missing. A search was immediately launched. Most of the orangutans remained on the Centre grounds, in the trees or near their original enclosures. After three days, seventeen orangutans had been rescued.

Extent of the damage

After the initial shock, the extent of the damage to the infrastructure became clear, with large parts of the site covered in mud and debris. The damage to the sanctuary is immense. The veterinary clinic was hit hardest and was completely destroyed. Many of the enclosures have also been destroyed by the mudslides.

Focus after a week

The immediate focus is now on stabilising the affected area, to clear the debris and to start organising the logistics for large construction vehicles to access the site. The overall extent of the damage will be assessed in more detail.

A sad loss

Two orangutans did not survive the landslide. The older male, who we had been searching for since the landslide, did not find enough food in the area and died after ten days, completely exhausted. The second victim was a young animal that had been in critical condition since arriving at the Quarantine and rehabilitation centre almost two years ago. It suffered internal injuries in the landslide. Despite intensive care, its condition could not be stabilised and he sadly died on 12 December.

Focus after two weeks

Thankfully, the other 39 orangutans are doing well. We are making every effort to provide the best possible care for the orangutans in these difficult circumstances. Fortunately, the socialisation enclosure remained intact and is home to 29 orangutans. The remaining orangutans are currently in a temporary enclosure. Although the heavy rains are continuing and there is a risk of further landslides, we have started the clean-up process.

27. Nov

28. Nov

29. Nov

1. Dec

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12. Dec

13. Dec

«This disaster is a huge challenge, but we are determined to resume and continue our important work. It will take a lot of time, resources and collaboration, but we are committed to rebuilding the Centre and preparing for future natural disasters of this magnitude with preventive measures.»