Bhubaneswar: The rescue of five baby orangutans from Odisha’s Balasore district has raised concerns over a possible international wildlife trafficking network, with Indonesia saying the animals may have been smuggled into India.
The three male and two female orangutans, aged between six months and one year, were rescued by the Odisha Forest Department from Bichitrapur forest under Bhograi block on September 8.
Since orangutans are native only to Indonesia and Malaysia, their presence in India has raised suspicion of illegal wildlife trade.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry said it is coordinating with Indian authorities to establish the animals’ species and genetic origins and facilitate their repatriation.
Preliminary physical and morphological assessments suggest they may be Sumatran orangutans, but DNA testing by authorised scientific institutions will provide confirmation.
The animals have been shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar and placed under quarantine. Zoo officials said they have shown playful behaviour, mood swings and anxiety, at times clinging to one another.
They are also being given soft toys and classical music to reduce stress.
Indonesia is coordinating with India’s CITES Management Authority, diplomatic missions, the National Research and Innovation Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture as efforts continue to trace the animals’ origins and arrange their return.
