All five baby orangutans recently rescued and currently in specialised care at the Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar are reportedly stable. The Deputy Director of the zoo confirmed on Tuesday that the orangutans are exhibiting normal feeding behaviours and demonstrating increased physical activity.

The veterinary team conducted a thorough clinical evaluation of the infants and found that they are responding well to ongoing supportive care. The assessment also included thermal imaging, which revealed that the body temperatures of the five orangutans fall within the normal physiological range of 98.2°F to 99.0°F.

According to the weight measurements taken during the evaluation, the three males weighed as follows: Male 1 at 4.990 kg, Male 2 at 3.470 kg, and Male 3 at 2.850 kg. The two females, identified as Female 1 and Female 2, weighed 4.130 kg and 2.080 kg respectively. All five have shown consistent and healthy feeding patterns.

Background of Rescue Operation

The five orangutans were discovered near Badapali village in the Bhograi Block of Balasore Division on the morning of September 9. This discovery led the Forest Department to initiate an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the animals’ presence in the area.

Balasore District Forest Officer Indalkar Pratik Prakash stated that forest officials were alerted at approximately 6 AM by a member of the village’s Forest Protection Committee, who believed the animals to be monkeys. Upon arriving at the site near Barpai village, officials identified the creatures as orangutans, which are not indigenous to the region.

The young animals were found to be alert but not very mobile, and they were initially provided with food at the location. As a crowd began to gather, the forest officials took the initiative to rescue the orangutans and transport them to the Udaipur Section Office for proper evaluation and care.

Investigation into the Source of the Orangutans

The young age and limited mobility of the orangutans raised concerns among officials, as they were deemed unlikely to have travelled a long distance unaided. The DFO indicated that surviving overnight in the vicinity would have posed significant challenges given the presence of potential predators like jackals, foxes, and dogs.

While smuggling has not been conclusively established, the DFO noted that the presence of orangutans in the area could suggest human involvement. He commented on the need for further investigation to clarify how these animals ended up in such an environment.

The five orangutans, estimated to be about one year old, underwent examinations from forest officials, veterinarians, and biologists. The Forest Department is collaborating with scientists from Nandankanan and the Wildlife Trust of India to ensure the well-being of the animals.

An official inquiry has been initiated to investigate the incident comprehensively. Forest personnel are conducting extensive searches in the area for any evidence and will also examine nearby CCTV footage for additional information. An inquiry officer has been assigned to the case, which necessitates collaboration with multiple agencies such as the police department and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

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