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Orangutans Discovered in Odisha: Wildlife Trafficking Suspected
8 Sep
Summary
- Five orangutans, a critically endangered species, were found in Odisha.
- The discovery raises suspicions of international wildlife trafficking.
- Orangutans are not native to India and are valuable on the black market.
In a startling discovery, five orangutans, a species critically endangered and native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia, were found in a forested area in Ranakatha Protected Reserved Forest in Odisha's Balasore district. The discovery on Tuesday has prompted the state forest and wildlife department to launch an investigation into whether an international wildlife trafficking network is involved.
Orangutans are highly sought after for the exotic pet trade, tourism entertainment, and private collections, with an individual animal potentially valued at around ₹25 lakh. Officials estimate the orangutans found are between one and two years old. As orangutans are not found in India, their appearance in Odisha has raised significant concerns among authorities, suggesting a sophisticated smuggling operation.
The forest department is collaborating with police, and a team from Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar will transport the orangutans. They will undergo a quarantine period at the zoo before further decisions are made regarding their welfare and future care. An assistant chief conservator of forests will lead the detailed inquiry into this unprecedented incident.
