Five Rescued Orangutans Shifted To Nandankanan Zoo; STF Begins Probe
Animals Kept In Quarantine As Officials Probe Their Mysterious Appearance In Balasore
The Odisha Crime Branch’s Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday began an investigation into the mysterious appearance of five orangutans in the Bhograi area of Balasore district, seeking to ascertain where the animals came from and how they reached the area. STF Inspector General Himanshu Lal said the probe was initiated following the recovery of the five orangutans from Bhograi.
Meanwhile, the rescued animals have been brought to Bhubaneswar and are currently housed in the quarantine facility at Nandankanan Zoological Park. They were shifted to the zoo on Tuesday evening. The orangutans underwent initial health examinations soon after their arrival, and their condition was reported to be stable. They are being kept under close observation as a precautionary measure.
According to Nandankanan Zoological Park Deputy Director Pradeep Mirase, forest department and Nandankanan experts are monitoring the animals’ food intake, health and behaviour. The orangutans are expected to remain in quarantine for about a month before a decision is taken on their rehabilitation or placement.
A dedicated team has been deployed to care for the five animals.
“Three veterinary doctors and three caretakers have been assigned specifically to them. The personnel attending to the orangutans have been instructed not to handle other animals to minimise the risk of infection. The caretakers are also following precautionary measures, including the use of masks, gloves and sanitiser. They have been instructed to wash their hands thoroughly with warm water after attending to the animals. A special veterinarian is also expected to be available during the night,” Mirase said.
The five orangutans are being kept together as a group as they appear to be closely bonded and do not readily separate from one another.
Officials said that although the animals were initially frightened after being rescued and transported, they now appear to be settling down and feeling safer in their new surroundings.
The immediate focus is on maintaining their health, monitoring their behaviour and helping them adapt to the quarantine environment. Further steps will be taken after a detailed assessment by veterinary and wildlife experts.
