Heartbreaking Rescue: Orangutan Left to Die Survives Against All Odds

An international organization for the rescue and protection of animals at risk, called International Animal Rescue, released a video three years ago showing a female orangutan with sad eyes. The video provoked thousands of negative reactions online.

The reason: The orangutan's natural habitat—a large forest with dozens of different tree species—was cut down to plant palm oil plantations. Although deforestation is a well-known environmental hazard, this video starkly illustrates the immense damage caused in the name of progress and the heavy price animals pay. "We are relieved that we reached the orangutan just in time," said one of the organization's representatives. "We found her abandoned, starved, clinging with all her strength to the last tree in the forest, with frightened eyes. Although she was rescued and taken to safety, how many of these orangutans are not so fortunate?"

The issue resurfaced last week following a post by tourists who witnessed the terrible scene again. "It's painful to see the fear in these animals' eyes. The language of fear is perhaps a universal one, understood by both humans and animals. We hope the problem will finally be resolved and that various industries will find new ways to utilize nature without harming the peace and quality of life of others, even if they are animals."

Watch the heartbreaking footage: