HOW ORANGUTANS UNDERGO THEIR ANNUAL HEALTH CHECK
At the BOS Foundation’s rehabilitation centres, the veterinarians perform routine annual health checks to ensure the well-being of the orangutans in our care. Recently, our medical, animal welfare and technician teams at Samboja Lestari conducted a general examination of several rehabilitated orangutans.
The purpose of this examination is to closely monitor the health of the orangutans. Any individual showing signs of illness is immediately separated from the group to receive more intensive treatment and to prevent the spread of disease to others.
The Medical Examination Process
The health checks involve a wide range of procedures, including blood sampling and bronchoscopy examination (Bronchoalveolar Lavage or BAL). Further tests include complete blood counts, liver and kidney function tests, blood typing and rhesus factor, cholesterol and uric acid levels, as well as screenings for hepatitis, malaria, dengue, and tuberculosis using methods such as culture and PCR.
The health checks include a variety of procedures requiring numerous hands.
This process is time-consuming and requires a substantial workforce. It begins with the sedation of the orangutans, which is often one of the most challenging steps. Technicians must find ways to distract the orangutans, as many of them dislike the sight of darting equipment. In some cases, orangutans may become aggressive, making sedation even more difficult. Once the orangutan is safely sedated, the team must work together to transport the animal to the clinic, a task that requires multiple people due to the orangutan’s significant body weight.
Results and Follow-Up Actions
Overall, the results of this year’s health checks showed that all orangutans were in good physical condition. However, several individuals required follow-up actions. Therefore, the technicians moved Bagus, Combat, BoySopo, and Antony to Socialisation Enclosure A.
Through these comprehensive medical examinations, the team at Samboja Lestari remains committed to safeguarding the health of every orangutan in rehabilitation. With good health and strength, these orangutans will have a better chance of returning to their true home: the forest.
Find out more about our vital orangutan conservation work here.
