Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], September 15 (ANI): The five rescued baby orangutans at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar are currently stable, demonstrating normal feeding habits and increased physical activity, as reported by the Deputy Director of the zoo on Tuesday.
A clinical evaluation by the zoo’s veterinary team confirmed that all five orangutans, consisting of three males and two females, are positively responding to ongoing supportive care and monitoring.
On Monday afternoon, a thermal imaging evaluation indicated that the body temperatures of the orangutans fell within the normal range, measuring between 98.2°F and 99.0°F.
Weight measurements revealed Male 1 at 4.990 kg, Male 2 at 3.470 kg, and Male 3 at 2.850 kg. The females weighed in at 4.130 kg for Female 1 and 2.080 kg for Female 2. All five infants exhibited stable and healthy feeding behaviors.
The orangutans were discovered near Badapali village in the Bhograi Block of Balasore Division, Odisha, on the morning of September 9, leading the Forest Department to investigate how they ended up in that location.
Balasore DFO Indalkar Pratik Prakash noted that forest officials were alerted by a member of the Village Surveillance Squad (VSS) around 6 AM regarding five animals that were initially believed to be monkeys.
‘Upon our arrival and inspection near Barpai village in Bhograi Block, we identified the animals as orangutans,’ the DFO stated.
The officials observed that the young orangutans were not very mobile but remained alert and active. They were given food at the site of discovery. As a crowd began to gather, forest officials rescued the animals and transported them to the Udaipur Section Office for further evaluation.
Prakash highlighted that due to their young age and lack of mobility, it was unlikely the orangutans had traveled far. He also mentioned that surviving overnight in the area would have been challenging due to potential predators like jackals, foxes, dogs, and langurs.
‘While smuggling is a possibility, we cannot confirm that at this stage as we lack concrete evidence,’ Prakash remarked.
He pointed out that since orangutans are not indigenous to this region and do not migrate through such habitats, the Forest Department suspects human involvement in their presence.
‘We will investigate who brought them here, and only then can we ascertain the details,’ he added.
The five orangutans, estimated to be around one year old, have undergone examinations by forest officials, veterinarians, and biologists, with collaboration from scientists at Nandankanan and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
An inquiry has been launched regarding the circumstances of their arrival. Forest personnel have initiated search operations in the area for any evidence and will also review nearby CCTV footage.
‘An inquiry officer has been assigned, and we will collaborate with other agencies, including the police department, WCCB, and STF, as coordination is essential for this case,’ the DFO noted.
He emphasized that the case necessitates cooperation among multiple agencies due to the fact that orangutans are an international species not native to India.
