Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Seized Thane Orangutan Set to Return to Indonesia
A young male orangutan was found in an apartment in Dombivli, India.
Forest officials took him into care in November 2024.
They also seized nine other kinds of wildlife.
The orangutan now lives at a rescue centre in Gujarat.
Officials say he is expected to go back to Indonesia soon.
India has issued the needed approvals.
Some paperwork in Indonesia still needs to be completed.
A male orangutan believed to be about three years old is expected to return to Indonesia.
Thane forest officials seized the orangutan from an apartment in Dombivli in November 2024.
The seizure also included nine other wildlife species suspected to be illegally trafficked.
The orangutan is being housed at Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Vantara in Gujarat.
Indian approvals have been issued, while some Indonesian formalities remain; repatriation is expected in the coming days.
- Who
- A male orangutan believed to be about three years old, along with Indian and Indonesian officials involved in the repatriation.
- What
- The orangutan is expected to be repatriated to Indonesia.
- When
- Seized in November 2024; return is expected in the coming days.
- Where
- Seized in an apartment in Dombivli, Thane, and currently housed in Jamnagar district, Gujarat.
- Why
- The orangutan was seized with other wildlife species suspected to be part of an illegally trafficked animal consignment.
- Animal
- Male orangutan
- Estimated age
- About 3 years old
- Seizure date
- November 2024
- Seizure location
- An apartment in Dombivli, Thane
- Current facility
- Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Vantara
- Current location
- Jamnagar district, Gujarat
- Seized alongside
- Nine other wildlife species
- Repatriation status
- Indian approvals issued; some Indonesian formalities remain