Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Rescued Baby Orangutans’ Blood Collected for Health, DNA Tests
Five baby orangutans rescued in Odisha are being cared for at a zoo.
Doctors took X-rays and blood samples to check their health.
The blood may also be used to study their DNA and find out where they came from.
Officials are looking for a laboratory with orangutan DNA samples for comparison.
They are also checking the animals’ stool and urine.
One orangutan had a fever, but all five were later described as stable.
The animals are eating normally and becoming more active.
They will stay separated from other animals for 30 days while police investigate possible smuggling.
Five juvenile orangutans at Nandankanan Zoological Park underwent X-rays and blood collection for health checks and possible DNA testing.
Officials are testing blood parameters, including haemoglobin and white blood cell counts, along with stool and urine samples.
The DNA testing could help establish the animals’ origin, but authorities are still identifying a suitable laboratory with orangutan reference profiles.
All five orangutans were described as stable after one developed a high temperature and received medication.
The animals will remain in 30-day quarantine while Odisha authorities investigate suspected international wildlife smuggling.
- Who
- Five rescued juvenile orangutans, Nandankanan Zoological Park officials, Odisha wildlife authorities, and investigating agencies.
- What
- The orangutans received X-rays, blood tests, and other examinations, with blood collected for possible DNA testing.
- When
- The examinations were reported on Wednesday, September 16; the animals were rescued on September 8, and one developed a high temperature on Sunday.
- Where
- Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, Odisha; the orangutans were rescued from a forest in Balasore district.
- Why
- To assess the animals’ individual health, potentially establish their origin through DNA testing, and support an investigation into suspected international wildlife smuggling.
- 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
- Health status
- All five were described as apparently stable, with normal feed acceptance and improved activity
- Testing
- Blood, stool, and urine samples are being examined; blood samples may also be used for DNA testing
- Investigation
- The Odisha Police Special Task Force and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are jointly investigating suspected international wildlife smuggling
