Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Anaemia Delays DNA Tests for Five Odisha Baby Orangutans
Five baby orangutans were found in Odisha, India.
Nobody yet knows where they came from.
Scientists need DNA tests to identify their origins, but those tests have been delayed.
The babies are anxious, and doctors can take only a small amount of blood from them.
Blood tests showed that one baby is very anaemic and two others are moderately anaemic.
The animals are receiving iron supplements and paracetamol for a fever.
Doctors also used chest X-rays because one baby had sneezing and coughing symptoms.
The babies are being kept in a temperature-controlled room at Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Officials are investigating whether the animals may be connected to wildlife trafficking.
Five baby orangutans found near Badapali village in Odisha on 9 September remain unidentified.
DNA testing has been delayed because the animals are anxious and can provide only small blood samples.
One orangutan is severely anaemic, while two have moderate anaemia, according to blood tests.
Veterinarians also conducted chest X-rays after one orangutan developed a fever and respiratory symptoms.
Authorities are investigating possible wildlife trafficking links but have not yet reported a breakthrough.
- Who
- Five baby orangutans, veterinarians, scientists, wildlife experts, the Odisha forest department and an Odisha police task force.
- What
- DNA testing to determine the orangutans’ origin has been delayed because of anaemia and the limited amount of blood that can be collected.
- When
- The orangutans were found on 9 September; more than a week later, their origin was still undetermined, and further blood testing may take at least two weeks.
- Where
- They were found near Badapali village in Balasore, Odisha, and are being treated at Nandankanan Zoological Park.
- Why
- Authorities want to establish where the animals came from because orangutans are native only to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, raising suspicions of wildlife trafficking.
- Animals found
- Five baby orangutans
- Discovery date
- 9 September
- Discovery location
- Near Badapali village, Balasore, Odisha
- Severe anaemia
- One orangutan
- Moderate anaemia
- Two orangutans
- Current treatment
- Iron supplements for anaemia and paracetamol for fever
- DNA testing status
- Delayed until the animals’ health improves and additional blood can be collected
- Investigation
- The Odisha forest department and a special task force of the Odisha police are investigating