This baby orangutan was shot and abandoned

Keeping orangutans as pets is outlawed, but that didn't stop hunters in West Borneo from trying to take one from the wild, reports theHuffington Post.

It is believed that in the process, they shot and killed the young animal's mother, notes The Dodo.

Also likely is that when they learned they'd fired a bullet into the baby orangutan's shoulder, they abandoned him.

Last week, the International Animal Rescue, or IAR, received word that the animal was found in dire condition, and the group has been caring for him since.

The baby, who has been named Didik, is so weakened by malnutrition and infection that he is unable to consume food normally.

Caretakers have been using a syringe to feed him, and over the past days he has begun to show some signs of improvement.

The organization is requesting donations to help cover the cost of his continued care.

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