Bhubaneswar: As visitors wander through the sprawling enclosures of Nandankanan Zoological Park, many are unaware that one of the zoo’s most remarkable stories is unfolding behind closed doors. Away from public view, five rescued infant orangutans are slowly recovering in a specially designed temperature-controlled nursery, where dedicated caregivers are working round-the-clock to restore their health and confidence.The young primates, rescued under dramatic circumstances and brought to Nandankanan zoo on Tuesday night, are currently housed at the zoo’s Hand Rearing Centre (HRC), a restricted facility located about 300 metres from the inner gate along the left-side lane. The area remains off-limits to visitors, with security personnel maintaining constant vigilance, while trained caregivers attend to the animals in three shifts.Inside the air-conditioned enclosure, the atmosphere is far removed from the uncertainty the infants recently endured. The orangutans spend their days clinging to swings, tumbling playfully over one another and sipping formula milk under the watchful eyes of their keepers. The nursery has been designed to provide comfort and stability, helping the traumatised animals adapt to their new surroundings.The HRC is situated adjacent to the zoo hospital, allowing veterinarians to regularly monitor the orangutans’ health. According to Nandankanan’s deputy director Pradeep Mirase, special attention is being paid to their diet and medical care. “Every three hours we provide food, mostly mashed potato, banana and apple, along with formula milk. We are taking assistance from Mysore Zoo regarding the dietary requirements of the animals,” Mirase added.The enclosure temperature is maintained between 25 and 27°C for most of the day to replicate a comfortable environment. Fresh air is periodically allowed into the room by opening windows for short durations. Mirase added that two of the orangutans had developed fever shortly after arrival, but their condition has now improved.Zoo authorities are also consulting experts from the Centre for Wildlife Health at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology for veterinary guidance and health management.Encouragingly, signs of recovery are already visible. Mirase said that when the orangutans first arrived, they constantly clung to one another due to stress and anxiety. However, within nearly 72 hours, they began showing normal behaviour and are now comfortable even when left alone for short periods, indicating reduced stress levels.Blood samples will be collected after 10 days for molecular testing to scientifically determine the exact species of the rescued orangutans.Meanwhile, curiosity among visitors continues to grow. Many zoo-goers have been asking staff about the newcomers, hoping for a glimpse of the human-like primates.“We heard baby orangutans have arrived at the zoo, but we were told they are not being displayed yet. We were very curious to see them, but there is a restriction for everyone,” said Sumitra Rout, a student visiting the zoo with her parents.
