Indonesia has formally requested the return of five infant orangutans rescued from Odisha’s Baleshwar district, stating it is prepared to coordinate with Indian authorities if investigations establish that the animals originated from Indonesia.
In a letter dated September 10, the country’s Ministry of Forestry urged India’s CITES Management Authority to confirm the incident and share details of the orangutans, aged between six and eight months. The animals—two females and three males—were spotted by villagers on September 8 and later rescued by forest officials.
Authorities suspect the primates may have been abandoned after a wildlife trafficking attempt went wrong. The Indonesian ministry, led by Director Ahmad Munawir, said it was ready to assist India in repatriation if genetic evidence confirms their Indonesian origin.
Orangutans of the genus Pongo are listed under Appendix I of CITES, making their international trade strictly prohibited. Indonesia, a range country for orangutans, has sought details on the animals’ health, handling, and whether biological samples are being collected to determine their origin.
The ministry also requested information on possible trafficking routes, entry points into India, and any transit countries involved. It asked whether investigators have found CITES permits or wildlife trade documents linked to the case.
The investigation is being conducted by the Special Task Force of Odisha Police with support from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, under the Wildlife Protection Act. The rescued orangutans are currently housed at Nandankanan Zoological Park near Bhubaneswar.
Reports suggest the Odisha government has approached the Central Zoo Authority seeking permission to keep the animals permanently. State Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia has said their presence could attract more visitors to Nandankanan.
