Five Orangutans Rescued in Odisha Forest, Smuggling Suspected
Five orangutans, non-native to India, were rescued in Odisha's Balasore forest. Authorities suspect wildlife smuggling and have ordered a probe.
In an unusual discovery, forest officials in Odisha's Balasore district rescued five orangutans from the Bichitrapur forest area under Bhograi block on Tuesday morning. The critically endangered great apes are not indigenous to India, raising immediate concerns of wildlife trafficking.
Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia stated that the animals were found by a forest patrolling team. Given that orangutans are typically found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, and Sumatra, their presence in a forest bordering West Bengal points to the possible involvement of an international smuggling racket.
The minister highlighted the high commercial value of these animals, noting that each orangutan can fetch between Rs 20 to Rs 25 lakh in the international market. He added that the apes might have been brought into the state via air, water, or rail routes.
The state government has formally urged the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) to investigate the matter. Authorities have also been asked to review CCTV footage at airports, railway stations, and ports to trace the animals' journey.
Meanwhile, a team of veterinary doctors from Simlipal National Park has been deployed to monitor the health of the rescued orangutans. Balasore Divisional Forest Officer Pratik Praksh Indalkar confirmed that the animals are healthy and are being fed. After a period of observation, they are slated to be moved to the Nandan Kanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha has assured a detailed investigation. While the probe is underway, forest officials are focused on the safety and well-being of the animals. A large number of curious locals have gathered at the site for a glimpse, and authorities have urged the public to maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the orangutans.