Bhubaneswar: Five orangutans rescued from a purported wildlife trafficking network would continue to remain at Nandankanan Zoological Park as authorities pursue investigations to trace their origin and await results of genetic studies, forest minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said on Wednesday.The minister asserted that Nandankanan has so far provided a suitable and conducive environment to the rescued apes, which were brought to the zoo on the night of Sept 8 following their rescue. He said the animals would stay at the facility until the ongoing investigation reaches a conclusion and scientific tests establish their place of origin.“Till the time investigation is going on and other test reports confirm their place of origin, the orangutans will stay in Nandankanan as the habitat has been found to be very conducive to the animals. DNA samples will also be sent for genotype analysis,” Singhkhuntia said.The statement comes amid an intensive probe into what investigators suspect to be an international wildlife trafficking network. Forest officials are relying on scientific studies, including DNA and taxonomic assessments, to determine the orangutans’ genetic lineage and possible native habitat.Coinciding with the minister’s remarks, deputy chief minister Pravati Parida visited Nandankanan on Wednesday and reviewed arrangements made for the rescued primates. During her visit, she took stock of the hand-rearing process being undertaken by zoo staff and assessed whether the enclosures and support facilities were suitable for the animals’ recovery and well-being.Zoo authorities briefed the deputy chief minister on measures adopted over past three weeks since the orangutans arrived at the facility. Officials explained the round-the-clock care being provided by veterinarians, animal keepers and nutrition experts to ensure gradual rehabilitation of the rescued animals.Sources said special attention is being paid to their diet, health monitoring and behavioural adaptation. The orangutans are currently under close observation, with experts documenting their growth and response to treatment.The rescued apes have become the focus of nationwide attention owing to the rarity of orangutans in India and the suspected trafficking links behind their seizure. Officials said further decisions regarding their long-term future would be taken only after scientific findings and investigation reports are received.
