Bhubaneswar: The five orangutan cubs rescued from a forest in Baleshwar a few days ago are in perfect health and currently under care at Nandankanan Zoological Park, informed Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Managing Director of Odisha Forest Development Corporation, Prem Kumar Jha on Friday.
Speaking to the media, Jha said the primary focus remains on ensuring the survival and well-being of the animals. “The five orangutans who arrived here a few days ago are in perfect health. They are being given complete medical treatment by us. Our first priority in such cases is always to save the animal’s life. Once that is ensured, we simultaneously investigate where the animal came from and how it reached here. An investigation is conducted simultaneously into where they came from or how they arrived,” he stated.
“The orangutans are gradually being helped to adapt to their new environment at Nandankanan. A decision on whether they will be sent back to their country of origin or remain at the zoo will be taken later”, the PCCF added.
Meanwhile, a joint investigation by the Special Task Force (STF), Baleshwar Forest Department and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is underway to determine the origin of the animals, who brought them to Odisha and how they reached the state.
Officials suspect the orangutans may have been smuggled into Odisha from outside the country, as the species is not native to the state or India.
