Odisha Orangutan Rescue Prompts Indonesia Trafficking Probe

Five baby orangutans rescued from a forest in Odisha's Balasore district have drawn the attention of the Indonesian government, which suspects the animals are victims of an international wildlife trafficking network.

The orangutans were recovered by the Odisha forest department from the Bichitrapur forest in Bhograi block on September 8. Their appearance in the state surprised authorities, as orangutans are not native to India.

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry said it is closely tracking the case and working with Indian authorities to determine where the animals came from and to arrange their return. The ministry described the discovery as a serious matter and said steps were being taken both in India and domestically to ensure the animals are handled properly.

Preliminary observations of the orangutans' physical and morphological features suggest they belong to a Sumatran population, according to the Indonesian government. It cautioned, however, that the identification is not final and that DNA testing by authorised scientific bodies will be needed to confirm their species and genetic origin.

Indonesia noted that orangutans occur naturally only in Indonesia and Malaysia, on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Their presence in India, it said, points strongly to illegal wildlife trade and smuggling involving a network that operates across borders.

The five animals have been moved to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, where they are under quarantine and being watched by experts. Zoo officials said the orangutans have shown a mix of behaviours, ranging from playful moments and mood swings to clinging to one another anxiously.

Deputy Director Pradeep Mirase said classical music is being played for the animals, on expert advice, to help ease their stress.

The orangutans remain under observation as investigators work to establish their exact origins and piece together how they reached Odisha.