Bhubaneswar, Sept 12: The future of five orangutan cubs rescued from Bichitrapur forest in Balasore is yet to be decided, with authorities currently focusing on their health, DNA testing and the investigation into their suspected trafficking.
The five cubs were rescued on September 8 and are currently being kept at Nandankanan Zoological Park. Investigators are trying to establish where the animals came from, who brought them to Odisha and how they became part of the suspected wildlife trafficking network.
📲Follow our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news, breaking updates, and important headlines. Stay connected with us for more updates!
The case has drawn attention to a similar incident in Assam, where two orangutan cubs rescued in 2022 have continued to remain at the Assam State Zoo amid an ongoing wildlife trafficking investigation.
What Happened to Assam’s Panoi and Jonki?
The two orangutans, named Panoi and Jonki, were found in 2022 inside a wooden box near the Lailapur check post on the Assam-Mizoram border in Cachar district. They were reportedly less than two years old at the time.
The Assam Government subsequently ordered an investigation into the suspected wildlife trafficking case and kept the cubs at the State Zoo.
DNA tests later confirmed that both were Sumatran orangutans. The three recognised orangutan species are the Sumatran, Bornean and Tapanuli orangutans.
The Indonesian Government later sought their repatriation. However, the two orangutans remained at the Assam State Zoo as the international wildlife trafficking investigation continued.
They have since become an attraction for visitors to the zoo.
Indonesia Offers Assistance for Odisha Cubs
The Odisha case has now brought Indonesia's role into focus.
The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has expressed its readiness to provide advice and assistance for the care, treatment and other requirements of the five rescued orangutans.
At the same time, some international news agencies have reported that Indonesia has sought repatriation of the animals. However, Nandankanan authorities have denied receiving any formal repatriation demand so far.
The five cubs are yet to undergo DNA testing. Their exact species will be known after the tests.
Indonesian officials have reportedly indicated, based on videos circulated in the media, that the animals appear to be Sumatran orangutans. However, this has not yet been established through DNA testing.
Also Read: “Digha hotel was the deal spot!” STF tracks ₹1 Crore Orangutan sale trail
DNA Test to Provide Key Clue
For Odisha authorities, the immediate focus remains on the health and rehabilitation of the five cubs.
PCCF (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha has said that the animals are in stable condition and that DNA tests will be conducted. Authorities are also focusing on helping the cubs adapt to the local climate.
A decision on their long-term future is expected to depend on the DNA results, their health and rehabilitation requirements, and the findings of the ongoing investigation.
If the animals are confirmed to be of Indonesian origin, the issue of their eventual repatriation could gain importance. However, no final decision on their destination has been announced so far.
Assam Case Provides a Reference Point
The Assam case shows that rescued orangutans can remain in India while a wildlife trafficking investigation continues.
Panoi and Jonki have remained under the care of the Assam State Zoo despite the repatriation issue involving Indonesia. In 2023, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the zoo and reviewed arrangements for their treatment and care.
The Odisha case is still at an early stage. The DNA examination, investigation into the animals' origin and further discussions with Indonesian authorities will be important in determining what happens next.
For now, the five rescued orangutan cubs remain at Nandankanan, where their health and rehabilitation are being monitored while authorities continue investigating the suspected wildlife trafficking network.
Also Read: Nandankanan welcomes over 40 new guests from Gujarat’s Vantara
