Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Odisha Seeks Zoo Authority Nod to Keep Five Rescued Orangutans
Five baby orangutans were found in a forest in Odisha.
They were rescued on September 8 and taken to Nandankanan Zoological Park.
The zoo is keeping them in a special temperature-controlled room.
Workers are giving them food and drinks to prevent dehydration.
The cubs also have soft toys and music to help them feel calmer.
Odisha has asked the Central Zoo Authority for permission to keep them at the zoo.
Officials say the zoo can provide conditions similar to Indonesia, where orangutans commonly live.
Reports also say Indonesia has asked India about returning the animals.
Investigators are trying to learn how the cubs arrived in the forest and whether wildlife traffickers were involved.
Odisha has asked the Central Zoo Authority for permission to keep five rescued orangutan cubs at Nandankanan Zoological Park.
The three male and two female cubs were rescued from Bichitrapur forest in Balasore district on September 8.
The cubs are quarantined in a temperature-controlled room and are receiving food, oral rehydration solutions, toys and music.
Officials say Nandankanan has created Indonesian-like climate conditions and that orangutans have previously survived in Odisha.
A joint investigation is examining how the cubs reached Balasore and whether an international wildlife-trafficking network was involved.
- Who
- The Odisha government, Central Zoo Authority, Nandankanan Zoological Park officials, and investigators are involved; the rescued animals are five orangutan cubs.
- What
- Odisha is seeking permission to retain the cubs at Nandankanan, while reports say Indonesia has sought their repatriation.
- When
- The cubs were rescued on September 8, and Odisha's request was reported on September 11.
- Where
- The cubs were rescued from Bichitrapur forest in Balasore district and moved to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar.
- Why
- Odisha says Nandankanan can provide suitable climate and care, while investigators are examining how the cubs reached Odisha and whether trafficking was involved.
Retain at Nandankanan
Repatriate to Indonesia
The cubs' future home
Retain at Nandankanan
Odisha officials say Nandankanan has a dedicated orangutan enclosure, Indonesian-like climate conditions, and facilities to care for the cubs.
Repatriate to Indonesia
Reports say Indonesia has approached the Indian government seeking repatriation of the rescued orangutans.
Local benefits and animal welfare
Retain at Nandankanan
The Odisha minister said keeping the cubs would be good news for animal lovers and could increase tourism at Nandankanan.
Repatriate to Indonesia
Indonesia's reported request suggests that the animals' country of origin and international wildlife-management considerations could affect their eventual placement.
- Number rescued
- Five orangutan cubs
- Sex and age
- Three males and two females, aged six months to one year
- Rescue date
- September 8
- Rescue location
- Bichitrapur forest, Balasore district, Odisha
- Current location
- Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar
- Permission status
- The Central Zoo Authority had not responded to Odisha's request when the reports were published
- Investigation
- The Odisha Police Special Task Force and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are conducting a joint probe
