Balasore, Sept 8: The discovery of five orangutans in Odisha has raised several questions, with authorities suspecting the involvement of an international wildlife trafficking network.
Reacting to the incident, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said the possibility of an international link behind the alleged trafficking of the rare animals is being investigated.
Acting on a tip-off, the Balasore Forest Department recovered five orangutans from a forest area in Bhograi of Balasore district. The animals are estimated to be between one and two years old. Since orangutans are not native to India, their sudden presence in Odisha has triggered suspicion of illegal wildlife trafficking.
Also Read: Five rare Orangutans spotted in Balasore forest, probe underway
The animals are currently being kept in quarantine and are expected to be shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park later. Veterinarians will conduct their medical examination and provide necessary treatment.
According to the minister, orangutans are generally found in regions including Malaysia, Sumatra and Indonesia. Their presence in Odisha has therefore raised serious questions about how they were brought into the country.
Calling the recovery significant for Odisha, Khuntia said an international wildlife trafficking syndicate may be involved in the case. He claimed that an orangutan can fetch around Rs 25 lakh in the illegal market.
“An investigation is underway to determine whether the animals were being trafficked and where they were being taken. Since this species is not found in India, the possibility of an international link cannot be ruled out,” the minister said.
The Additional Chief Conservator of Forests (ACCF) is expected to investigate the matter, following which the exact circumstances behind the recovery are likely to emerge. Authorities will also examine whether the animals were being transported to West Bengal or another destination.
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The minister further said that orangutans are generally calm in nature and are not known to harm humans. He added that research would be conducted on the animals after their arrival at Nandankanan.
Khuntia also said that Nandankanan may receive some animals from Japan in the future under an animal exchange programme.
