Business · India Bureau
Odisha launches investigation after orangutans rescued from forest
Authorities in Odisha have initiated a formal probe following the recovery of orangutans from a forest area, with the primates now quarantined at a state zoo. The state's Environment Department has engaged wildlife crime investigators to examine the circumstances of the rescue.
LSN India ·
A rescue operation in Odisha has resulted in the recovery of orangutans from a forest region, triggering an official investigation by state environmental authorities. The great apes have been placed under quarantine at Nandankanan Zoo as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence in the area.
The Odisha Environment Department has escalated the matter by seeking assistance from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), the central agency tasked with combating illegal wildlife trafficking across India. The involvement of WCCB underscores official concerns that the orangutans may have been victims of illegal trade or smuggling networks operating in the region.
Orangutans are native to Southeast Asia, primarily found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, making their presence in Odisha highly unusual. The species faces severe threats in their native habitats from deforestation and illegal trafficking, with international protections in place to prevent their capture and trade.
The quarantine period at Nandankanan Zoo will allow veterinarians to assess the health and welfare of the animals while investigations proceed. Officials have not yet disclosed details about how many orangutans were rescued or their current condition.