Balasore, Sept 17: Of the five orangutan cubs rescued in Odisha, three are male and two are female. Investigators are now examining whether the animals were allegedly trafficked not for entertainment or zoo display, but for illegal breeding.
According to information shared with the Crime Branch Special Task Force (STF) by investigators of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), trafficking cubs of opposite sexes could indicate an attempt to establish breeding pairs in captivity.
📲Follow our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news, breaking updates, and important headlines. Stay connected with us for more updates!
Former WCCB Deputy Director Anup Nayak said the global population of orangutans is extremely limited and that their endangered status has increased their value in the illegal wildlife trade. He alleged that traffickers may be targeting the animals for breeding and commercial exploitation.
According to Nayak, Mizoram's remote mountains and dense forests could potentially be used as a hiding place for illegal wildlife breeding operations. He further suggested that the rescued orangutans may have been transported through routes connecting West Bengal and Assam, although these details remain part of the investigation.
He said the suspected trafficking network could involve different layers, with those involved in sourcing and breeding allegedly having more information than those responsible for transporting the animals across states or countries.
Investigators are now trying to establish why the five cubs were being moved together and whether an organised network was behind the alleged trafficking.
Bini's Story Raises Breeding Concerns
Nayak also recalled the case of Bini, the orangutan that became a popular attraction at Nandankanan Zoological Park and died in 2019. According to him, authorities had searched for a male companion for Bini for years but could not find one.
Nandankanan has remained without an orangutan since Bini's death. Nayak has urged the STF to investigate the possible breeding angle of the current trafficking case seriously.
MLA Seeks CBI Probe
Bhograi MLA Gautam Buddha Das has demanded that the truth behind the case be brought out at the earliest. Referring to CCTV footage reportedly showing a black Thar vehicle linked to the investigation, he said the identities of those allegedly involved were already being discussed.
Das also referred to statements by Odisha DGP Binayatosh Mishra and senior government representatives that the truth would emerge soon.
Also Read: Naval confrontation shows why INS Kolkata outpowers Pakistan offshore Patrol Vessel
However, he alleged that the Crime Branch investigation had so far remained focused on Odisha and West Bengal and demanded that the case be handed over to the CBI, citing the possibility of an international wildlife trafficking network.
The STF and other agencies are continuing to investigate the origin, intended destination and possible network behind the five rescued orangutans.
