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Rescued Baby Orangutans Undergo X-rays, DNA Testing in Odisha
Five baby orangutans rescued in Odisha are being cared for at a zoo.
Doctors took X-rays and collected blood from them to check their health.
The blood may also help scientists identify where the animals came from.
Officials are looking for a laboratory that can compare their DNA with standard orangutan samples.
One orangutan had a fever, but all five were later described as stable.
They were eating normally and becoming more active.
The animals are being kept apart from others for 30 days.
Police and wildlife officials are also investigating whether the orangutans were connected to international smuggling.
Five rescued baby orangutans underwent X-rays and blood-sample collection at Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Blood samples will be tested for health indicators and used for DNA testing to help establish the animals’ origin.
The orangutans were reportedly stable, with normal feeding and improved activity after one developed a fever.
The animals are receiving milk, fruit fluids and boiled potatoes while remaining in a 30-day quarantine.
The Odisha Police Special Task Force and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating suspected international wildlife smuggling.
- Who
- Five rescued baby orangutans, Nandankanan Zoological Park officials, Odisha wildlife authorities, and investigating agencies.
- What
- The orangutans received X-rays, blood tests, and other health examinations, while their blood samples were collected for possible DNA testing.
- Where
- Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, Odisha; the animals were rescued from a forest in Balasore district.
- When
- The examinations and sample collection were reported on Wednesday, after the animals were rescued on September 8; one developed a fever on Sunday.
- Why
- To assess each animal’s health, support DNA testing to establish its origin, and assist an investigation into suspected international wildlife smuggling.
Key facts
- Animals rescued
- Five juvenile orangutans
- Rescue date
- September 8
- Rescue location
- A forest in Balasore district, Odisha
- Current facility
- Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar
- Quarantine period
- 30 days
- Reported condition
- All five were described as stable, with normal feed acceptance and improved activity
- DNA testing purpose
- To help establish the origin of the rescued animals
- Investigation
- The Odisha Police Special Task Force and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are conducting a joint investigation
Quotes
A senior Forest Department official
Odisha Forest Department official
“The overall health condition of the orangutans seems to be stable. X-rays and blood samples of the animals were taken to ascertain their individual health condition”
theprint.in
“An appropriate laboratory needs to have the standard DNA sample profile of orangutans for comparison. Such laboratories are not very common”
theprint.in
Sources
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