Orangutans not native to India found in Odisha forest; govt orders probe
Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said the five orangutans were rescued by the forest patrolling team on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) morning
At least five orangutans, not native to India, were recently discovered in a forest in Odisha's Balasore district, leading the state government to suspect wildlife smuggling. The critically endangered apes, typically found in Southeast Asian rainforests, were rescued by forest patrolling teams and are currently being monitored by veterinary doctors.
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has been urged to investigate the incident, with the state government suggesting the animals may have been smuggled into Odisha via air, water, or rail routes. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance from the orangutans and avoiding any disturbance.
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- Unusual sighting in an Odisha forest: 5 baby orangutans indianexpress.com
- Orangutans not native to India found in Odisha forest; Govt orders probe thehindu.com
- Orangutans native to SE Asia found in Odisha; wildlife trafficking suspected hindustantimes.com
