2 hrs ago
DNA Sampling of Rescued Orangutans Delayed for Emotional Stabilization
Five baby orangutans were rescued from a forest in Odisha.
Officials planned to collect their DNA to learn where they came from.
The testing will now wait at least 10 days.
Experts said the animals need time to feel safe in their new home.
They also need to get used to their caretakers and food.
The orangutans are eating and staying active.
Some received medicine after becoming unwell following the rescue.
Another wildlife authority will decide whether they can stay at the zoo permanently.
DNA sampling of five rescued baby orangutans has been postponed by at least 10 days.
Wildlife experts said the animals need time to adjust to their new surroundings and caretakers.
The tests will help determine their origin, species classification, parentage and how they reached Odisha.
All five orangutans are reportedly healthy, eating properly and remaining active after receiving care.
The Central Zoo Authority will assess whether Nandankanan can permanently house the animals.
- Who
- Five baby orangutans, Nandankanan Zoological Park officials, the Centre for Wildlife Health Committee and the Central Zoo Authority.
- What
- DNA sampling has been postponed by at least 10 days while the orangutans adjust and stabilise.
- Where
- The orangutans are being cared for at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha after being rescued from a forest in Baleshwar district.
- When
- The decision was announced on Thursday; sampling is expected after the animals have had 10 days to acclimatise.
- Why
- Experts advised delaying testing because the animals were emotionally distressed and needed to adjust to their new environment, caretakers and food.
Key facts
- Animals
- Five baby orangutans rescued from a forest in Baleshwar district
- DNA sampling
- Postponed by at least 10 days
- Testing purpose
- To determine origin, genetic species classification and parentage, and support an investigation into how they reached Odisha
- Current condition
- All five are reportedly healthy, eating properly and active
- Veterinary care
- Three animals received medicines after becoming unwell following their rescue
- Assessment authority
- The Central Zoo Authority is expected to inspect the animals and their habitat requirements
- Permanent housing
- A final decision will follow the Central Zoo Authority assessment
Quotes
Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia
Odisha State Forest and Environment Minister
“Conducting DNA tests is part of the process to ascertain the origin of the orangutan genetics, species classification and their parents. It will also help the investigation into how the animals came to Odisha. They are not native to India.”
thehansindia.com
“According to CWH advice, the animals need to be stabilised in the new environment and get accustomed to their caretakers and feed for 10 days. After that, bio-samples, including blood and oral swabs, will be collected for screening.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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