Orangutans are among the world’s most fascinating great apes. Known for their reddish-orange fur and tree-dwelling lifestyle, they are naturally found only in parts of Southeast Asia. So, finding five very young orangutans in a forest in India has raised many questions about how they got there.
Five baby orangutans rescued in Odisha
Five baby orangutans were rescued from a forest area in Balasore, Odisha. The group includes three males and two females, estimated to be between six months and one year old. They were found near Badapai village in the Bichitrapur area.
The orangutans were taken to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, where they are being kept in quarantine and receiving veterinary care. Recent health checks found that three were anaemic, including one with severe anaemia. The five are currently stable and feeding. Officials are now trying to find out where the young orangutans came from.
Why are DNA tests being done?
DNA tests are being planned to identify the orangutans’ species and help establish their geographical origin. Their physical appearance alone cannot reliably show where they came from. Officials are also investigating the possibility of wildlife trafficking, illegal trade in wild animals. However, no trafficking route or source has been established yet. Indonesia has offered assistance, and authorities there have indicated that repatriation could be considered if the animals are confirmed to have originated from Indonesia.
Where do orangutans naturally live?
Orangutans are not native to India. Their natural populations are found in Southeast Asia. There are three recognised species:
- Bornean orangutan, found on the island of Borneo
- Sumatran orangutan, found on the island of Sumatra
- Tapanuli orangutan, found in a small area of North Sumatra
All three species are classified as Critically Endangered, meaning they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Did you know?
Orangutans are great apes, along with gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and humans. They spend much of their lives in trees and are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities.
Learn all about Wild Animals with the Flash Cards & watch the full video: Interesting Facts About Lions
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