Five rescued baby orangutans to undergo 90‑day quarantine at Odisha zoo

Five infant orangutans rescued from a forest in Balasore district will spend a 90‑day quarantine at Nandankanan Zoological Park, officials said. The babies were found on September 8 amid concerns they were part of a smuggling network. The Central Zoo Authority recommended the extended quarantine as a biosecurity measure for high‑risk species, allowing only caregivers and veterinarians into the hand‑rearing centre. Deputy Zoo Director Pradeep Mirase said the apes will stay in the hand‑rearing centre during quarantine and be moved to open enclosures by day to acclimatise. Normally Indian zoos quarantine imported animals for 30 days, but the CZA extends the period to 90 days for species listed in Appendix I of CITES, which includes orangutans. The five infants are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN and their exact origin and health history are unknown. Zoo officials report steady weight gain, normal appetite, improving activity and regular faeces. Three of the babies were found anaemic, one severely, but haemoglobin levels are rising. A five‑member technical committee appointed by the state government is overseeing their care, and daily health checks continue. No public viewing will be allowed until the state government and other statutory bodies give final approval. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been asked to probe the possible smuggling route, and DNA testing to confirm species and origin is still under consideration.

Context

Orangutans are protected under international CITES rules because they face extinction in their native rainforests. Quarantine helps prevent disease spread to other zoo animals and ensures the rescued infants are healthy before any relocation or public display. Investigations into illegal wildlife trade are common in India, where smugglers target rare species for profit.