The forest fires throughout the world have been devastating. The country of Indonesia has been massively affected by these harsher forest fires occurring. These forest fires have been killing the wildlife in these forests and also causing the living animals to flee. Sadly, one outcome of these fleeing animals is people taking in these wild animals as pets. Everyday people do not know how to care for these animals, such as Gito the orangutan.
Gito was found when he was less than four months old in a dilapidated cardboard box that was covered in his own urine. He was extremely dehydrated because he was only fed condensed milk. He was so close to death that his arms, wrapped around his body, had been mummified to his own body. When he was originally found, he was believed to already be dead.
Gito, the name he was given by the rescuers, also was suffering hair loss and grey skin because of sarcoptic mange. Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease that causes itching and irritation of the skin. Once the rescuers realized he was alive, it was a race to get Gito to the International Animal Rescue’s orangutan rehabilitation center in Borneo, a nine hour drive away.
“Gito was rushed straight to our rescue centre for urgent treatment and was immediately put on a drip and course of medication to treat him for dehydration, malnutrition and the severe skin infection,” the International Animal Rescue team explains.
Since the skin infection was highly contagious, Gito had to be kept in quarantine from other orangutans to keep it contained. The team continuously massaged coconut oil onto Gito’s skin to help provide relief for his itching. “’It’s hard to stomach the shocking state Gito was in when we rescued him,” Alan Knight, the Chief Executive of International Animal Rescue, said.
Within two months at the International Animal Rescue, Gito was on the mend. The International Animal Rescue put out a plea to financially help the care of Gito and the world responded. “Gito is looking healthy, happy and alert – and even sporting two fine front teeth! He may not yet be as hairy as he should be, but his skin is smooth and supple and there are definite signs that his coat is growing,” the International Animal Rescue happily informed the public.
Gito was eventually allowed to attend orangutan pre-school, where he met his best friend, Asoka. Gito was near death and this amazing organization was able to bring this gorgeous animal back to life, where he has been able to exceed all expectations. At the age of two, Gito has now graduated pre-school and is attending baby school. Luckily, his best friend, Asoka, graduated as well and is attending baby school along with Gito.
If you would like to learn more about the amazing work the International Animal Rescue is doing, click here. As the forest fires have been getting worse with every year, the International Animal Rescue’s work is more critical than ever. To watch Gito’s amazing story of recovery, two videos have been included right below.
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