The Sintang Orangutan Center is in dire need of a new X-ray machine at their location in West Kalimantan. At the core of SOC is their rescue, rehabilitate, and release program for orangutans (mostly from the illegal pet trade) in Southeast Asia. A large part of this effort relies on their ability to adequately assess and diagnose their patients upon arrival, in addition to monitor their medical care throughout their stay.
A stationary X-ray machine, and all of its necessary parts such as lead plates and detector panels can cost anywhere between 70,000 and 100,000 USD! It is for this reason that the Orangutan Conservancy has committed themselves to helping fund this endeavor.
Medical Care for Orangutans
Upon arrival to SOC, all orangutans must undergo an extensive health examination. The purpose of this examination is to ensure that any orangutan entering the center does not introduce any infectious disease to the other individuals. If the orangutan passes their initial health examination they are admitted to the center and will undergo a yearly examination thereafter. If at any point during their initial or yearly examination(s) an infectious disease or other medical ailment is found, the animal care team must effectively be able to treat the animal with the necessary equipment and medications. The medical funding provided by OC will allow SOC to secure adequate amounts of medications and lab tests to treat any orangutan in need.
Orangutans are also very prone to different types of respiratory ailments, so having an x-ray machine is vital to diagnosing and treating the condition early. This piece of equipment is the next step in caring for and conserving the wild populations of orangutans in their region of Southeast Asia. Sintang Orangutan Center has cared for more than 40 individual orangutans in the past 11 years, most of whom came from lives as private pets or as part of the illegal pet trade.
Sintang Orangutan Center is run by a dedicated group of animal caretakers and veterinarians who dedicate their lives to saving the orangutan.