Bhubaneswar, Sept. 9 (UDN): Five young orangutan-like primates rescued from a forest in Odisha’s Balasore district have been brought to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, where they have been placed under quarantine for medical observation and further assessment.
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The animals were rescued from the Bichitrapur forest area under Bhograi block after local residents spotted them moving through the trees and alerted forest officials. The unusual discovery has triggered an investigation into how the non-native animals reached the forest.
According to forest department officials, the five animals—three males and two females—are all believed to be less than a year old. Following their rescue, they were initially taken to the Udaipur section office, where a team comprising veterinarians, biologists and scientists examined them.
The animals were subsequently shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park. Officials said they are currently in quarantine and their health is being closely monitored. Their condition was reported to be normal.
Investigation into their origin
The presence of the animals in a forest in Odisha has raised questions about possible human involvement, as orangutans are native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and could not have reached Balasore through natural migration.
Balasore Divisional Forest Officer Indalkar Pratik Prakash said there is currently no conclusive evidence to establish that the animals were being transported or trafficked.
“While smuggling remains a possibility, there is no conclusive evidence yet. Since their natural habitat is tropical rainforests, they could not have migrated there naturally, indicating possible human intervention. Investigations are underway to determine how they arrived there,” Prakash said.
Forest officials are examining several possibilities, including whether the animals were brought into the area by land or through waterways. CCTV footage from the rescue site and nearby areas is also being reviewed to trace their movements and identify any possible route through which they may have reached Balasore.
The department is conducting combing operations and coordinating with police, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), the Wildlife Crime Control Force (WCCF) and the Special Task Force (STF) as part of the investigation.
Wildlife trafficking angle not ruled out
Officials are also examining the possibility of wildlife smuggling, although no direct evidence linking the animals to a trafficking network has emerged so far.
The fact that all five animals are very young has added to concerns over their origin and whether they were kept in captivity before being abandoned in the forest.
Wildlife authorities are expected to continue their investigation while experts work to conclusively establish the animals’ species, age, health status and possible country or location of origin.
For now, the five animals will remain under quarantine at Nandankanan Zoological Park. Further decisions regarding their long-term care, rehabilitation or repatriation will be taken after the veterinary assessment and investigation are completed.