Bhubaneswar, Sep 8: The recovery of five young orangutans from Rankotha forest in Baleshwar has raised concerns over a possible international wildlife trafficking network, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said.

The Minister described the recovery as a fortunate development for Odisha, pointing out that orangutans are not native to India. The rescued animals are believed to be around one to two years old and are understood to have originated from regions such as Indonesia and Malaysia.

Khuntia said the circumstances surrounding their presence in Odisha have raised strong suspicions of illegal trafficking. Given the high value of orangutans in the illegal wildlife trade, authorities are investigating whether an international network was involved in transporting the animals.

He said the exact source and intended destination of the orangutans would become clear only after a detailed investigation. Authorities are also examining whether the animals were being transported to neighbouring West Bengal or another destination.

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) will investigate the suspected trafficking angle, while the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) is personally monitoring the case.

The rescued orangutans are likely to be housed at Nandankanan Zoological Park, where arrangements are being made for their care and further study.

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