Bhubaneswar: Following the recovery of five orangutans from Rankotha forest in Baleshwar, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said there is a possibility that the rare animals may have been part of an international trafficking network.
Speaking on the matter, the Minister described the discovery as fortunate for Odisha, noting that orangutans are not native to India. They are estimated to be between one and two years old. They are found in Malaysia, Sumatra, Indonesia and China. There is strong suspicion of smuggling, possibly by an international mafia, as the market value of a single orangutan is estimated at around Rs 25 lakh.
He noted that the exact source of trafficking will become clear only after a thorough investigation, as the species is not native to India or Odisha. There could be an international link, and it remains to be established whether the animals were being transported to Bengal or another destination. An investigation is underway, after which the full facts are expected to emerge.
The Minister also informed that the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) will probe the matter. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) is personally monitoring the case.
The Minister added that orangutans are peaceful by nature and do not harm humans. The species is considered closely related to humans in evolutionary terms and said research will be conducted on the rescued animals. Further, arrangements are being made to house the orangutans at Nandankanan Zoological Park. Some animals from Japan will arrive at Nandankanan under an exchange programme.
