17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Saving Orangutans 15

Hope undergoes surgery after being rescued in near death condition. With 74 air rifle bullets in her body, she is totally blind. A broken collarbone (clavicle) has pierced her air sac which has subsequently become infected. Therefore, the first priority is to clean the area and remove infected bone and tissue before placing a pin and 6 screws to secure the bone in place. The operation is led by Dr. Andreas Messikommer from Switzerland.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2019
Photo Location: Sibolangit, Indonesia
Copyright: © Alain Schroeder