started · updated
Orangutan rescue in Odisha triggers international trafficking investigation
Five baby orangutans, estimated to be between six months and 1.5 years old, were rescued from the Bichitrapur forest in the Balasore district of Odisha, India. Because orangutans are native to Indonesia and Malaysia and not India, authorities have launched a major investigation into a suspected international wildlife trafficking network.
The primates are currently being held in quarantine at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, where they are receiving specialist veterinary care, a custom diet of fruits and milk, and stress-reduction measures including soft toys and classical music therapy. DNA testing has been postponed for approximately 10 days to allow the animals to stabilize in their new environment.
Investigators from the Odisha Police Special Task Force and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are examining CCTV footage from over 50 cameras and searching for a black SUV reportedly seen near the rescue site. The Indonesian government has initiated diplomatic efforts through its embassy in New Delhi to coordinate the repatriation of the animals to their native habitat.
Entities
Centre of Wildlife Health Committee · Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia · India · Indonesia · Mohan Charan Majhi · Mysuru Zoo · Nandankanan Zoological Park · Nandankanan Zoological Park · Odisha · Odisha Police Special Task Force · Pradeep Mirase · Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] An international trafficking network may be involved in the presence of the orangutans in India. wakeup.sg · thecrystaleyes.com · globalnews.ca
- [○ 1 SOURCE] DNA sampling of the orangutans has been postponed to allow them time to stabilize in their new environment. www.nationalheraldindia.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Investigators are searching for a black SUV that was reportedly seen near the area where the orangutans were found. www.dtnext.in · pragativadi.com
- [● 13 SOURCES] The rescued orangutans are being held in quarantine at Nandankanan Zoological Park for medical observation and care. periodicoatico.com.ar · wakeup.sg · thecrystaleyes.com · businessnewsweek.in · www.dtnext.in · +6 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Odisha Police Special Task Force and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau have launched a joint investigation into suspected wildlife smuggling. wakeup.sg · www.dtnext.in · www.orissapost.com · pragativadi.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The Indonesian government is working to repatriate the five baby orangutans to Indonesia. katadata.co.id · mediaindonesia.com · www.tvsarawak.my · www.vol.at
- [● 3 SOURCES] Zoo officials have introduced classical music therapy and soft toys to help the rescued orangutans manage stress. businessnewsweek.in · www.newindianexpress.com
- [DISPUTED] Five baby orangutans were rescued from the Bichitrapur forest in the Balasore district of Odisha. periodicoatico.com.ar · wakeup.sg · thecrystaleyes.com · businessnewsweek.in · www.dtnext.in · +6 more