Five young orangutans rescued in eastern India should remain in Odisha state, its forest minister said on Sunday. The animals are living at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar while officials investigate their origin.
Forest minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said all five were healthy. He expressed the state government’s wish to keep them at the zoo. An Indonesian expert team is expected to visit during November to examine the animals.
The minister said no country had formally established a claim to the animals.
Indonesia began seeking their return in September
Forest officers found the orangutans in Balasore district on 8 September. Orangutans do not naturally live in India, raising concerns about wildlife trafficking.
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Indonesia’s forestry ministry contacted Indian authorities soon afterwards. An early assessment suggested the animals could come from Sumatra. Indonesia was preparing health checks, genetic tests and care arrangements for a possible return.
Genetic tests examine inherited information that can help identify an animal’s species and origin.
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