Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Baby Orangutan Develops Fever at Odisha Zoo, Receives Treatment
Five baby orangutans were brought to a zoo in Odisha after being rescued from a forest.
One of them developed a fever.
Medicine lowers the fever, but it comes back, so veterinarians are watching the animal closely.
The other four orangutans are doing well.
The babies are kept separately in a temperature-controlled room.
They receive milk every two hours, along with fruit fluids and boiled potatoes.
Caretakers also give them toys, swings and music to help them feel less stressed.
Experts think the fever may be linked to stress, tiredness or a new environment.
A special committee is overseeing their care while authorities investigate how the animals were brought to India.
One of five baby orangutans at Nandankanan Zoological Park developed a recurring fever after arriving on September 8.
The animal’s temperature reportedly improves with medicine but rises again, and it remains under close medical supervision.
The other four orangutans are reported to be healthy and responding normally.
Zoo staff have provided a temperature-controlled room, mosquito nets, frequent feeding, soft toys, swings and music.
Odisha has formed a five-member technical committee while authorities investigate alleged international wildlife smuggling.
- Who
- One of five baby orangutans rescued from Bichitrapur forest; Nandankanan Zoo veterinarians, caretakers and Odisha officials are providing care.
- What
- One baby orangutan developed a recurring fever and is receiving medicine and round-the-clock monitoring.
- When
- The orangutans arrived on September 8; the fever was reported as continuing through September 14.
- Where
- Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Why
- Experts said the fever could be related to stress, fatigue or adjustment to a different environment; authorities are also investigating alleged international wildlife smuggling.
Reported Health Concern
Official Qualification
Fever report
Reported Health Concern
Zoo sources and a senior official said one orangutan had a recurring fever that responds to medicine and remains under medical supervision.
Official Qualification
Chief Wildlife Warden and PCCF PK Jha said he had no information about one baby orangutan suffering from fever, while stating that caretakers were providing proper care.
Likely cause
Reported Health Concern
Experts suggested stress, fatigue or the sudden change from a rainforest environment could explain the fever.
Official Qualification
Officials have not publicly confirmed a specific cause, and the animal’s condition is being monitored before any definitive explanation is given.
- Animals affected
- One of five baby orangutans developed fever; the other four were reported healthy.
- Arrival date
- September 8
- Rescue location
- Bichitrapur forest in Bhograi block of Balasore district
- Care facility
- Nandankanan Zoological Park quarantine facility
- Medical care
- Medicine, temperature monitoring and round-the-clock supervision
- Feeding schedule
- Milk every two hours, plus apple and banana fluids and boiled potatoes
- Oversight
- A five-member technical committee has been formed by the Odisha government