Music therapy to soothe ‘distressed’ orangutans found far from their habitat
Five rescued orangutans at Nandankanan Zoological Park are undergoing music therapy to manage psychological distress after being found in an Odisha forest. Authorities are coordinating with wildlife experts and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to investigate the trafficking incident.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and the illegal wildlife trade in non-native species.
Five baby orangutans rescued from a coastal casuarina forest in Odisha’s Balasore district are receiving music therapy to help them overcome psychological distress, as forest and wildlife officials, in consultation with experts, attempt to ensure their dietary, mental, and physical well-being at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar.
Officials are also working on a comprehensive protocol to address the orangutans’ nutritional, psychological and physical needs.
“All five orangutans are doing well. One of the apes had bouts of fever, and our veterinarians are keeping a close watch on their health. Orangutans are not native to India, so these young animals must have experienced psychological distress before being abandoned in the State. Experts have advised music therapy,” said Pradeep Devidas Mirase, Deputy Director of Nandankanan Zoological Park.
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