Bhubaneswar: The five orangutans rescued from a forest area in Bhograi block of Balasore district have been shifted to the Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar for further medical examination, observation and care.
The rare animals were brought to the zoo on Tuesday following their rescue from the forest. Officials said the orangutans will initially remain under quarantine while veterinary experts assess their health and physical condition.
The unusual rescue has also triggered an investigation into how the non-native animals reached an Odisha forest in the first place.
Two Females and Three Males Rescued
According to Forest Department officials, all five rescued orangutans are less than one year old. The group comprises two females and three males.
Following their initial rescue, the animals were taken to the Udaipur section office for detailed assessment. A team comprising veterinarians, biologists and scientists examined the animals before they were shifted to Nandankanan.
Officials said the health condition of all five animals is currently normal, and field staff and veterinary personnel are continuing to closely monitor them.
Quarantine at Nandankanan Zoo
The five orangutans will remain in a quarantine facility at Nandankanan Zoological Park during the initial phase of their stay.
The quarantine period will allow veterinarians to monitor their health, conduct necessary examinations and check for any potential diseases or health complications before further decisions are taken regarding their long-term care.
Their condition will be monitored closely during this period, with zoo authorities expected to determine the appropriate course of action based on the animals’ health and the findings of the investigation.
How Did Orangutans Reach Balasore?
The presence of five orangutans in a forest in Balasore has raised a major question: how did the animals reach Odisha?
Orangutans are native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and are not naturally found in Odisha. Forest officials therefore believe that the animals could not have reached the area through natural migration.
Balasore Divisional Forest Officer Indalkar Pratik Prakash said there is currently no conclusive evidence establishing that the animals were being transported or trafficked.
However, the possibility of wildlife smuggling or human intervention has not been ruled out.
Forest Department Probes Possible Smuggling
Prakash said that although smuggling remains one possibility, investigators have not yet found definitive evidence to confirm it.
The Forest Department has launched a detailed investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the animals’ arrival in Balasore. Officials are examining different possibilities, including whether the animals were brought from another location by people.
Investigators are also attempting to determine the possible route taken by the animals before they were found in the forest.
CCTV Footage Under Examination
As part of the probe, officials are examining CCTV footage from the rescue location and surrounding areas.
Combing operations are also being conducted, while the Forest Department is coordinating with the police, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and Special Task Force (STF) to gather information about the animals’ possible origin and movement.
Authorities are particularly interested in identifying any evidence that could establish whether the animals were transported by people or abandoned in the area.
Land or Water Route Being Examined
Forest officials are also investigating whether the animals may have reached Balasore through land or waterways.
The investigation is expected to examine the geography surrounding the rescue site as well as possible transportation routes. Any CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts or other evidence found during the probe could help authorities establish how the animals ended up in the forest.
Given their young age and non-native status, officials are treating the circumstances of their arrival as an important aspect of the investigation.
Health Monitoring Continues
Following the rescue, veterinary teams and field staff have been keeping a close watch on all five animals.
Officials have stated that the orangutans are currently in normal health condition. Their stay at Nandankanan will allow experts to continue monitoring them in a controlled environment.
The quarantine period will also give authorities time to complete the necessary health assessments before determining their future care arrangements.
Investigation to Determine Their Future
For now, the immediate priority is to ensure the health and safety of the rescued animals while establishing their origin.
The Forest Department’s investigation will focus on determining where the orangutans came from, how they reached Balasore and whether any illegal wildlife trade or human involvement was associated with their presence.
Further decisions regarding their rehabilitation or long-term care are expected only after the health assessments and investigation provide greater clarity.
