The five rescued infant orangutans at Nandankanan Zoological Park may soon be allowed access to an open‑air enclosure as part of enrichment and stress‑relief measures.
Zoo authorities said the proposal will be placed before the newly formed technical committee for its opinion before a final decision is taken. The outdoor enclosure is located next to the Hand Rearing Centre (HRC), where the infants are currently housed in a closed, air‑conditioned room under round‑the‑clock monitoring.
Officials explained that periodic time in a larger outdoor space would help boost physical activity and mental well‑being, giving the young apes a feel of their natural habitat.
Meanwhile, zoo veterinarians reported improvement in the health of the infant that had been suffering from persistent fever, with its body temperature returning to normal. The other orangutans are also being closely monitored.
To oversee welfare and long‑term care, Nandankanan has constituted a five‑member technical committee comprising experts from Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysuru, the Wildlife Institute of India, the Centre for Wildlife Health at OUAT, the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, and the Director of Nandankanan as member‑convener.
Forest officials said efforts are underway to gradually create conditions similar to the orangutans’ natural habitat to help them adapt, until a final decision is taken on their rehabilitation.
