Five orphaned orangutan infants rescued in Odisha as wildlife‑trafficking probe begins
Villagers in Balasore district reported spotting five orangutan infants, estimated to be one to two years old, on the forest floor. Forest officials rescued the youngsters, provided first aid and flew them to Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar, where they are now in quarantine and their health is being monitored. The Odisha forest ministry has opened an investigation and suspects an international wildlife‑smuggling ring may be involved. A specialist team from the zoo is overseeing the quarantine process.
Why it matters
The rescue underscores the ongoing threat of illegal wildlife trade to critically endangered species.
How this story developed
- Sep 8 Five young orangutans found in Odisha spark wildlife trafficking investigation
- Sep 11 The infants have been placed in quarantine at Nandankanan Zoo.
