Bhubaneswar, September 20: All five rescued baby orangutans currently housed at the quarantine facility of Nandankanan Zoological Park are in a stable condition and showing normal feed acceptance, zoo officials.

The health evaluation report, released by Nandankanan Zoological Park Deputy Director Pradeep Mirase on Saturday, confirmed that the group—comprising three males and two females—underwent comprehensive medical examinations, including thermal camera temperature screenings.

According to the clinical observations, the three male infants recorded body weights of 5.34 kg, 3.56 kg, and 3.1 kg, with body temperatures registering between 98.6°F and 101°F. The two female infants recorded weights of 4.28 kg and 2.18 kg, with temperatures noted at 98.8°F and 99.3°F, respectively.

All five infants were reported to be in an apparently stable condition and were showing normal feeding patterns. 

A specialised technical committee comprising Delhi Zoo Veterinary Officer Abhijit Bhawal and Wildlife Institute of India (WII, Dehradun) Wildlife Veterinarian Sanath Krishna Muliya visited the dedicated quarantine enclosure to examine the primate infants and guide zoo authorities on medical and management interventions.

Following the assessment, the expert panel advised the zoo veterinary team to gradually scale up the daily feed volume and commence the introduction of solid food into their diet. The experts also recommended administering antiparasitic medication, including ivermectin or doramectin, to completely clear internal worm loads.

The five orangutans were found near Badapali village under Bhograi Block of Balasore Division in Odisha on September 9 morning, prompting the Forest Department to launch an investigation into how the animals reached the area.

The five orangutans, two females and three males, are approximately one year old. Forest officials, veterinarians and biologists examined the animals, while the department also coordinated with scientists from Nandankanan and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).