New Delhi: The discovery of five baby orangutans in a forest in Odisha’s Balasore district has raised concerns over a possible international wildlife trafficking network, with Indonesia calling for an investigation into how the animals reached India.
The five orangutans were rescued by the Odisha Forest Department from the Bichitrapur forest area under Bhograi block on September 8. Their presence in the region surprised authorities as orangutans are not native to India and naturally occur only in parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia is closely monitoring the case and coordinating with Indian authorities to determine the animals’ origin and explore arrangements for their eventual return.
Preliminary observations indicate that the animals could belong to the Sumatran orangutan population. However, authorities have stressed that this assessment is not yet conclusive. DNA testing by authorised scientific experts is expected to establish their species and genetic origin.
The unusual discovery has also raised suspicions that the animals could have been transported through an illegal international wildlife trade network. Orangutans are native to the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, making their presence in Odisha particularly unusual.
Following their rescue, the five animals were shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar. They have been placed under quarantine and are being closely monitored by veterinary and wildlife experts.
Zoo officials said the young orangutans have displayed different behaviours while adapting to their new surroundings. They have been playful at times but have also shown signs of anxiety and frequently cling to one another.
To help reduce their stress, officials are also taking steps to play classical music as advised by experts.
The animals will remain under observation as authorities work to establish their precise origin and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrival in Odisha.
