Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday visited Nandankanan Zoological Park along with Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden P.K. Jha to review arrangements for five rescued infant orangutans.
The delegation inspected the Veterinary Hand Rearing Centre, where the five infants are being housed, and assessed their health, diet and overall condition. Officials said the animals remain under quarantine and are being monitored closely.
Zoo veterinarians and the animal care team have been providing specialised round-the-clock attention, with regular health checks. Forest Minister Singhkhuntia has said Nandankanan’s condition has so far proved suitable and that the orangutans will remain at the park while investigations and origin-related tests, including DNA analysis, continue.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances under which the animals reached Odisha. The Odisha Police Special Task Force (STF) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) are jointly probing the case, which is being treated as a suspected wildlife trafficking matter.
