Five rescued orangutans shifted to Nandankanan Zoo; STF begins probe
The animals were initially frightened after being rescued and transported, they now appear to be settling down and feeling safer in their new surroundings.
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 9: The Odisha Crime Branch’s Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday began an investigation into the mysterious appearance of five orangutans in Bhograi area of Balasore district, with officials trying to ascertain where the animals came from and how they reached the area.
STF Inspector General (IG) Himanshu Lal said the investigation had been initiated following the recovery of the five orangutans from the Bhograi area.
Meanwhile, the rescued orangutans have been brought to Bhubaneswar and are currently being kept in the quarantine facility at Nandankanan Zoological Park. They were shifted to the zoo on Tuesday evening.
The animals underwent an initial health examination soon after their arrival, and their health condition has been reported to be stable. They are being kept under close observation as a precautionary measure.
According 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 further decisions are taken regarding their rehabilitation or placement.
A dedicated team has been deployed to look after 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 in order to minimise the risk of transmission of any 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,” said Mirase.
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 of the authorities is on maintaining their health, monitoring their behaviour and ensuring that they adapt to the quarantine environment. Further steps will be taken after a detailed assessment by veterinary and wildlife experts.
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Photograph: Orangutans in Bichitrapur forest in Odisha’s Balasore district before being shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar. Inset: Veterinary doctors examine the health condition of the rescued animals at Nandankanan Zoo.
