Odisha Zoo Extends Orangutan Quarantine Amid Smuggling Probe
Key Points
- Central Zoo Authority mandates 90-day quarantine for biosecurity compliance
- Three infant orangutans show anemia but hemoglobin levels improve gradually
- Experts advise diet upgrades and antiparasitic medication for all five apes
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau investigates suspected smuggling origins
Editorial Deep Dive & Context
Five baby orangutans rescued from Balasore district forests in Odisha are undergoing an extended 90-day quarantine at Nandankanan Zoological Park, mandated by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) due to biosecurity protocols and unknown health histories. Although standard quarantine is 30 days, CZA advises 90 days for high-risk species like orangutans, which are critically endangered under CITES Appendix I. Zoo Deputy Director Pradeep Mirase confirmed that only caregivers and doctors may access the facility, with plans to move the apes to open enclosures after technical committee approval. Medical evaluations reveal stable conditions; three males weigh between 3.1 kg and 5.34 kg, while two females weigh 2.18 kg and 4.28 kg. Three infants suffer from anemia, though levels are improving. A specialized panel including Wildlife Institute of India experts advised scaling up feed volumes, introducing solid food, and administering antiparasitic medication. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is investigating the smuggling origin, as orangutans are not native to Odisha. DNA testing to determine geographical origin remains undecided. Public viewing is prohibited until state government approval, prioritizing animal welfare over exhibition
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Odisha Zoo Extends Orangutan Quarantine Amid Smuggling Probe
Nandankanan Zoological Park enforces a 90-day quarantine for five rescued baby orangutans while authorities investigate potential wildlife smuggling origins