Five Infant Orangutans Rescued in Odisha, Trafficking Probe Underway

A day after forest officials rescued five infant orangutans from a forest in Odisha's Balasore district, the state's Special Task Force (STF) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) have launched an investigation into possible organised wildlife trafficking.

The orangutans were spotted near Badapai village forest in Bhograi area around 6 am on Tuesday. As word spread, thousands of onlookers gathered within an hour, prompting the forest department to step in and secure the animals.

The infants have been moved to Nandankanan Zoo, where they are under quarantine and medical supervision. The state government has sought approval from central zoo authorities to keep them there.

A three-member STF team, led by a Superintendent of Police-rank officer, is at the rescue site, verifying CCTV footage and questioning locals. Teams from WCCB's Bhopal and Kolkata units are expected to join soon.

STF DIG K V Singh said the investigation is in its preliminary stage. "Since it's a very sensitive matter, it would not be appropriate to speculate anything based on suspicion," he said, adding that they are analysing similar cases in India and gathering data.

Odisha's forest and environment minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia noted that India is not a natural habitat for orangutans, and suspects a trafficking racket. "We are verifying whether they were brought by sea route or by road. CCTV footage from railway station, airport and other points is being examined," he said.

Forest officials estimate the orangutans, measuring 1 to 1.5 feet in height, are likely juveniles. A case under the Wildlife Protection Act will be registered soon.