CENTRE FOR ORANGUTAN PROTECTION

When Fire Comes Too Close: Protecting Orangutans from Wildfire

For an orangutan living in rehabilitation, the forest is supposed to be a place of healing. But every dry season, another threat returns. Fire. Wildfires can spread quickly through dry vegetation, threatening forests, wildlife, people, and everything we have worked so hard to protect. For COP, preparing for this threat is not something we can wait to do when the fire has already arrived. We have to be ready before the first flame appears.

Preparing Before the Fire Comes

Every six months, our teams conduct wildfire response and firefighting training to keep their skills sharp and ensure they are prepared to respond when a fire breaks out. We prepare equipment. We train our teams. We identify potential risks. And we plan for the worst. Because when a fire reaches an orangutan rehabilitation centre, there is no time to learn what to do. We have to know.

A Season Made More Dangerous

In 2026, the threat became even more serious. The “Godzilla El Niño” phenomenon contributed to an unusually dry season, creating conditions in which vegetation could dry out more quickly and fires could spread more easily. At the same time, irresponsible land clearing practices involving fire continued to pose a serious threat in many areas.  By August 2026, wildfires were occurring across Kalimantan and other parts of Indonesia. And some of those fires were frighteningly close to places where rescued orangutans depend on us for their safety.

We do what our name say: PROTECT THE ORANGUTAN 

This year alone, over 40 orangutans were rescued from coal mining and palm oil plantation areas. Some were lucky enough to be released back in the wild, into our protected forest area. But others, weakened and scarred by their ordeal, had to be taken into our clinic and rehabilitation centre, where we fight to give them a second chance at freedom.

A glimpse of COP's work. Founded 19 years ago, COP takes a holistic approach to protect the orangutan:  from protecting the habitat to rescue-rehab-release of orangutan in need. We operate centres in East Borneo and North Sumatra, and also 100.000 hectares of ecosystem restoration area where we release ex rehab or translocate orangutans from destroyed habitat. In the other side, we actively combat crime against wildlife. At least 84 suspects being jailed from 64 cases since 2012. Thanks to the 520+ alumni of COP School and Orangufriends Network.  The Government of Indonesia has awarded COP as the Best Environmental NGO in 2018.

#SecureHabitat. Forest is a home for many, not only humans but also wildlife. We collaborate with stakeholders to develop effective protection of existing conservation areas and develop our very own conservation areas through ecosystems restoration scheme.

#RescueRehabRelease. We create second chance for orangutan to be wild and free. Every orangutan deserve a good life, including those who uprooted from its natural habitat. We operate 2 rehab centres in Borneo and Sumatra to accommodate rescued orangutans and rehab them. Releasing them is our final goal. For those that technically could not be release due to illness or physical disabilities, they stay with us in sanctuary islands.

#EducateEmpower. Since 2011, COP School has trained more than 500 animal activists, making it one of the strongest grassroots movements in Indonesia. The alumni develop and run personal network for conservation. COP with Orangufriends probably one of the most active grassroots group in Indonesia nowadays, in the ground and cyberspace. 

#BeyondOrangutans, COP combats wildlife crime, rescues animals in disaster zones, and partners with local communities on ecosystem restoration. COP's field teams, spread across Borneo, Sumatra, and Yogyakarta, carry out diverse missions: animal rescue, rehabilitation, forest patrols, post-release monitoring, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and law enforcement against wildlife crime. With a wide support network and the spirit of combatting wildlife crime, COP continues to fight for a world where wildlife can live free and safe in their natural habitats.

Join Us in Giving A Second Chance for Orangutans!

Your donations is the lifeline that empowers these brave and dedicated teams to continue their crucial work across Indonesia. From rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra to protecting by educating and empowering young generation and social strata. Every contribution helps secure the future of these magnificent species. 

Together, we can move mountains, one donation at a time.