Bhubaneswar, Sept 9: The mysterious discovery of five young orangutans in a casuarina forest in Baleshwar district has triggered a detailed investigation, with a black SUV reportedly spotted in the area shortly before the exotic animals were rescued.

Forest officials rescued the five orangutans on Tuesday from the Bichitrapur casuarina forest near Badapai village under Talsari Marine police station. Since orangutans are not native to Odisha, their presence has raised serious concerns over possible illegal wildlife trafficking.

According to local residents, a black SUV was seen moving through the area late Monday night. CCTV footage reportedly showed the vehicle entering the locality around 11:25 pm and leaving approximately 15 minutes later. Investigators are examining the footage to identify the vehicle and determine whether it has any connection with the rescued animals.

The unusual incident has raised several questions among villagers regarding the origin of the orangutans and how they reached the forest. Some residents have also demanded a high-level investigation into the matter.

Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said a detailed probe has been ordered to establish the animals’ origin and determine whether an international trafficking network is involved.

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has also been informed. Meanwhile, all five orangutans have been shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar for care and observation.

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