Bhubaneswar, Oct 20: The proposed repatriation of five orangutans housed at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha has come into focus after Rocky, a Sumatran orangutan rescued from Maharashtra, was successfully returned to Indonesia following a joint effort by the Indian and Indonesian governments.

Wildlife experts from Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry are scheduled to visit India in November to assist in the process of repatriating the five orangutans at Nandankanan. Their species and country of origin will first be verified, after which the repatriation plan will be taken forward, subject to the completion of the necessary legal formalities.

The Indonesian delegation will examine the animals and coordinate with Indian authorities to facilitate their return to their native habitat.

Rocky returns to Indonesia

Rocky arrived at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia, on Monday, where officials from the country’s Ministry of Forestry welcomed the young orangutan.

The repatriation was completed after the necessary legal procedures were finalised through cooperation between India and Indonesia. The Indian government also waived the expenses previously incurred for Rocky’s care and upkeep in India.

Rescued from a bathroom in 2024

Rocky was rescued in 2024 from a locked cage inside a bathroom at the Palava City residential complex in Dombivli, Maharashtra. The Thane Forest Department conducted a raid and recovered the animal.

In 2025, Rocky was shifted to Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, following the directions of a high-powered committee appointed by the Supreme Court.

The return of Rocky is being described as the first instance of a wild animal rescued in India being repatriated to its country of origin.

Nandankanan’s five Orangutans await repatriation

The process to return the five orangutans housed at Nandankanan Zoological Park to Indonesia is currently underway. Their species and geographical origins will need to be established before the authorities proceed with the repatriation.

Following the Indonesian experts’ assessment and completion of the required legal procedures, the five orangutans are expected to be returned to their country of origin.

Rocky’s successful repatriation is being viewed as a significant example of international cooperation in wildlife conservation. Attention is now focused on the next steps towards bringing the five orangutans at Nandankanan back to their native habitat.