Orangutan trafficking incidents in India

Overview

The illegal wildlife trade involving orangutans in India has come to light through several seizures. In September 2024, five baby orangutans, aged six to eight months, were discovered on a plantation in Odisha, approximately 2,700 kilometers from their native habitats in Sumatra and Borneo.

Following these discoveries, a baby Sumatran orangutan nicknamed ‘Rocky’ was repatriated to Indonesia from India on October 19, 2026. Rocky had been seized in November 2024 from an apartment near Mumbai during a trafficking bust. After receiving medical treatment in Gujarat for respiratory infections, the animal was returned to Indonesia via Kualanamu International Airport through a coordinated effort between Indonesian and Indian authorities.

Experts have noted that while India has protections for native species, gaps in controls on imported animals facilitate the trafficking of exotic wildlife to satisfy collectors. Efforts continue to facilitate the repatriation of the five infants found in Odisha.

Entities

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau · Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora · World Wildlife Fund · Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre · Odisha

Timeline

1 day ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
Baby orangutans found in India highlight illegal wildlife trade
The discovery of five baby orangutans in Odisha, India, underscores a growing illegal trade of exotic animals being trafficked into the country for private collectors.
8 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
Sumatran orangutan repatriated to Indonesia from India
A baby Sumatran orangutan rescued from illegal trafficking in India has been repatriated to Indonesia, marking a successful bilateral conservation effort between the two nations.

Sources

independent.co.uk · kabarmedan.com · macaudailytimes.com.mo · newindianexpress.com · tivuch.com · wtop.com