As 5 orangutans find new home in Odisha, a probe into how they landed there

On Tuesday morning, forest officials in Odisha’s Balasore district rescued five infant orangutans from a forest near the Badapai village in the Bhograi area. The orangutans, which are believed to be juveniles, were spotted around 6 am Tuesday and promptly led to their rescue by the authorities. The Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha police and a team from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) have launched an investigation to determine the involvement of any organized trafficking ring.

The rescued orangutans have been taken to Nandankanan Zoo, where they are currently under quarantine and medical supervision. The state government has obtained approval from the central zoo authorities to keep the animals there. As the news of the rare visitors spread, thousands of onlookers gathered in the area, prompting the forest department to intervene and secure their safety.

A three-member STF team, led by a Superintendent of Police-rank officer, is currently on-site, examining CCTV footage from nearby locations and questioning locals. Teams from the WCCB’s Bhopal and Kolkata units are expected to arrive soon to assist in the investigation. STF DIG K V Singh stated that the inquiry is in its preliminary stages and they are reviewing documents prepared by the forest department.

They are also studying similar cases from recent years and consulting teams that handled such incidents. While a case under the Wildlife Protection Act will be filed soon, any suspicion of international trafficking can only be confirmed after a comprehensive investigation. Odisha’s forest and environment minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia expressed concern, noting that India is not a natural habitat for orangutans and suggesting the possibility of a trafficking racket.

Authorities are currently examining whether the orangutans were transported via sea route or road, with CCTV footage from various points, including the railway station and airport, being scrutinized. Although the exact age of the orangutans remains unknown, experts estimate they are likely juveniles based on their size, ranging from 1 to 1.5 feet in height.