Orangutans rescued from Odisha forest: State begins probe; great apes quarantined at Nandankanan Zoo
Odisha police and forest officials have launched an investigation into the discovery of five non-native orangutans in a coastal forest. The animals have been quarantined at Nandankanan Zoological Park while authorities coordinate with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to determine the source of the suspected smuggling operation.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the growing threat of illegal wildlife trafficking and the challenges of protecting non-native species within regional ecosystems.
The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) began a probe into the circumstances surrounding t he rescue of five young orangutans from a coastal forest in Balasore district. The Odisha Forest and Environment Department has also approached the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), seeking its expertise in investigating cases involving the illegal trafficking of wild animals.
#WATCH | Five rescued Orangutans brought to Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar, kept in quarantine. (Video source: Nandankanan Zoo) https://t.co/Yl7TEJx0cm pic.twitter.com/THuhiLpugJ
“We have sent a team to Balasore to initiate a probe. Forest officials have been very cooperative. We will also hold discussions on the circumstances under which these orangutans were spotted,” said Kanwar Vishal Singh, Deputy Inspector General of Police, STF.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in