World · East Asia & Pacific · 7 hrs ago
Odisha seeks proof of ownership claims for five rescued orangutans
Five baby orangutans were rescued in Odisha in September and moved to Nandankanan Zoo.
Indonesia has raised a claim to the animals, but no country has provided documentary proof that they came from its territory.
Odisha’s forest minister says the state wants the orangutans to stay at the zoo.
Under international wildlife trade rules, the animals could be handed over if ownership is proved.
The five are in quarantine and are reported to be doing well as they adjust to their surroundings.
Police and wildlife officials are investigating how they reached Balasore and whether an international trafficking network was involved.
Odisha says Indonesia has not provided documentary evidence to establish ownership of five rescued orangutans.
The animals were rescued in Balasore district on September 8 and moved to Nandankanan Zoo.
Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said Odisha wants the orangutans to remain at the zoo, but they may be handed over if Indonesia proves they originated there.
The five orangutans are in quarantine and are reported to be doing well.
Odisha Police and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating how the animals reached Balasore and whether a trafficking network was involved.
- Who
- The Odisha government and Indonesian government are involved in the ownership question.
- What
- Odisha is seeking documentary proof for Indonesia’s claim over five rescued orangutans.
- When
- The animals were rescued on September 8; the minister spoke on November 8, 2026.
- Where
- The orangutans were rescued from Bichitrapur forest in Balasore district, Odisha, and are now at Nandankanan Zoo.
- Why
- Indonesia has raised a claim to the animals, and Odisha says evidence is needed to establish where they originated.
Odisha government
Indonesian government
Ownership evidence
Odisha government
Says Indonesia must provide concrete evidence that the orangutans originated in its territory.
Indonesian government
Has raised a claim over the orangutans, but has not provided documentary evidence, according to the minister.
Where the animals should stay
Odisha government
Wants the orangutans to remain in Odisha if Indonesia does not prove its claim.
Indonesian government
May receive the animals if it provides proof, according to the minister.
The five baby orangutans were rescued from Bichitrapur forest in Balasore district.
The orangutans were shifted to Nandankanan Zoo, where they were kept in quarantine.
Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said no country had provided documentary evidence to establish ownership.
- Number of animals
- Five baby orangutans
- Rescue date
- September 8
- Rescue site
- Bichitrapur forest, Balasore district, Odisha
- Current location
- Nandankanan Zoo
- Minister
- Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia
- Investigation
- Odisha Police STF and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating how the animals reached Balasore.
What people are saying
We want them to stay in Odisha, and visitors will get an opportunity to see them at Nandankanan Zoo,
If they provide the proof, the animals may be handed over to them,