- Indonesia has formally sought the return of five infant orangutans rescued in Balasore, Odisha.
- Indonesian authorities want genetic evidence to establish whether the animals originated from Indonesia.
- The Odisha Police Special Task Force and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating the suspected wildlife trafficking case.
Bhubaneswar: Indonesia has formally requested the possible return of five infant orangutans rescued in Odisha’s Balasore district, saying it is ready to work with Indian authorities if investigations confirm that the animals originated from Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry made the request in a letter dated September 10 to the Indian CITES Management Authority. The ministry asked India to confirm details of the incident and provide information about the five orangutans, which were found in a forest on September 8.
The animals two females and three males aged between six and eight months were discovered after local villagers alerted forest officials. Authorities suspect they may have been abandoned following an unsuccessful wildlife trafficking operation.
Indonesia Seeks Return of Odisha Orangutans
Indonesia has offered to coordinate with Indian authorities on the repatriation of the animals if genetic testing establishes their Indonesian origin.
The Indonesian ministry has asked for a detailed account of how the orangutans were found, along with information about their current health, location and treatment in India.
It has also asked whether biological and genetic samples are being collected to determine where the animals came from. Any preliminary findings regarding their country of origin have also been sought.
Genetic Tests and Trafficking Route Under Focus
The Indonesian authorities have requested information about possible trafficking routes, the animals’ point of entry into India and any countries that may have been used as transit locations.
They have also asked whether investigators have recovered CITES permits or other documents connected with the suspected wildlife trade.
Orangutans belonging to the Pongo genus are listed under Appendix I of CITES, which provides the highest level of protection for species covered by the convention. Indonesia is among the countries where orangutans naturally occur.
Odisha Agencies Investigate Suspected Wildlife Trafficking
The Odisha Police Special Task Force is investigating the case, with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau also involved. The case has reportedly been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The five rescued orangutans are currently being cared for at Nandankanan Zoological Park near Bhubaneswar.
Reports have also indicated that the Odisha government has approached the Central Zoo Authority seeking permission for the animals to remain at Nandankanan permanently.
Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia has said the presence of the orangutans could attract more visitors to the zoological park.
For now, the key question is whether genetic and other evidence can establish the animals’ country of origin. Indonesia has indicated that it is prepared to assist with their repatriation if the investigation confirms an Indonesian connection.
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