Sumatran orangutan repatriated to Indonesia from India

A baby Sumatran orangutan, nicknamed ‘Rocky’, has been repatriated to Indonesia from India following a successful rescue operation. The male orangutan, estimated to be 18-20 months old, was seized by authorities in November 2024 from an apartment in Thane, near Mumbai, as part of an illegal wildlife trafficking bust.

During its time in India, the orangutan received intensive medical care at the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) in Gujarat. After recovering from respiratory infections and passing health screenings for tuberculosis and hepatitis, the animal arrived at Kualanamu International Airport on October 19. The Indian government waived all historical costs associated with the animal's care and maintenance as a gesture of cooperation.

The repatriation was a coordinated effort involving the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, the Indonesian Consulate General in Mumbai, and various Indian wildlife protection agencies and CITES authorities. Officials noted that the process reflects strong bilateral ties and a shared commitment to endangered species conservation.

Efforts are currently underway to repatriate five additional baby orangutans that were rescued in Odisha in September 2024. Indonesian wildlife experts are expected to visit the Nandankanan Zoological Park in November to facilitate further conservation efforts.