Bhubaneswar: In the wake of rescue of five baby orangutans from a forest in Baleshwar district, the Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police on Wednesday launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the appearance of the rare animals there.
Initiating the investigation, a team of the STF visited Nandankanan, where the animals have been accommodated after being brought from the forest, to gather crucial details about the rescue operation.
The baby primates were transported to Nandankanan Zoological Park on Tuesday night and have since been kept in quarantine.
Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said there is a possibility of the involvement of an international racket in the trafficking of the non-native animals.
He said a thorough investigation will ascertain how the orangutans reached the coastal forest and who all are involved in it. “We are also approaching the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) for the investigation,” the minister said.
Singhkhuntia also visited Nandankanan to review the care and management arrangements for the five infants. He inspected the quarantine and care facilities and reviewed specialised measures, including round-the-clock surveillance, health monitoring, regular milk feeding and dedicated care by a team of animal keepers working in shifts.
Strict biosecurity, sanitation and hygiene protocols are being followed, along with the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, Singhkhuntia said.
He expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and appreciated the efforts of the officers and staff and also advised the authorities to continue providing specialised and intensive care to ensure the health and well-being of the rescued orangutans.
PCCF (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha, Additional PCCF Manoj V Nair and NZP director Sanath Kumar accompanied the Minister during his visit.
Nandankanan deputy director Pradeep Mirase said three caretakers have been assigned exclusively to look after the baby orangutans. The keepers have been instructed not to handle other animals to minimise the risk of infection and are following precautionary measures, including the use of masks and gloves.
Feeding is being carried out in consultation with experts from Mysuru Zoo, with the infants being fed every two hours.
A dedicated veterinary expert has been engaged to monitor their health round the clock, while keepers are working in three shifts to manage their care and feeding, he said.
Meanwhile, officials are examining CCTV visuals from railway stations and airports as part of the probe, while authorities are exploring other possible routes, including waterways, in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, sources said.