The Odisha government has formed a five-member expert technical committee to oversee the welfare and specialized care of five baby orangutans rescued from Balasore.
- Five baby orangutans were rescued from the Bichitrapur forest in Balasore.
- A high-level technical committee has been formed to manage their welfare.
- The animals are currently being housed at Nandankanan Zoological Park.
- Authorities are investigating potential links to international wildlife smuggling.
In a significant move toward wildlife conservation and specialized animal care, the Odisha government has constituted a five-member technical committee to oversee the welfare of five baby orangutans. These animals were recently rescued from the Bichitrapur forest in the Bhograi block of Balasore district.
The rescued primates are currently under intensive care at the Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar. The newly formed panel is tasked with assessing all issues related to their upkeep and providing technical expertise to ensure their survival and long-term health.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the presence of orangutans—which are not native to India—in Odisha points toward a sophisticated international wildlife smuggling operation. This incident highlights the vulnerability of endangered species to illegal trade networks that span across borders.
The rescue of non-native primates like orangutans underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance against transnational wildlife trafficking.
The committee includes highly specialized experts, such as a veterinary officer from the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysuru, a representative from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and a project coordinator from the Centre for Wildlife Health at OUAT, Bhubaneswar. The Director of Nandankanan Biological Park will serve as the member-convener.
Specialized Care and Recovery
Chief Wildlife Warden P.K. Jha emphasized that the immediate priority is the hand-rearing of these infants. To combat stress, the animals are being provided with music therapy, soft toys, and swings. Their diet, strictly monitored by experts, includes milk every two hours, supplemented with fruit fluids and boiled potatoes.
| Aspect | Status/Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Location | Nandankanan Zoological Park, Khordha |
| Rescue Site | Bichitrapur Forest, Balasore |
| Medical Team | 3 Caretakers and Doctors (24/7) |
| Investigation Agencies | STF and WCCB |
While the animals are showing signs of recovery—with some overcoming fever and colds—the investigation is far from over. The Odisha Police's Special Task Force (STF) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) are working in tandem to trace the origins of the smuggling ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where are the rescued orangutans currently being kept?
They are being kept in a quarantine cell at the Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar.
2. Who is investigating the smuggling angle?
The Odisha Police Special Task Force (STF) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) are leading the investigation.
