Five abandoned orangutan cubs found in Balasore district on Sept. 8

Mysuru Zoo veterinarian Dr. Madan (2nd from left) and Dr. Shashidhar (extreme right) along with other experts in Odisha.      

The rescued cubs playing with toys.

Mysuru: Two veterinarians from Mysuru Zoo have provided crucial guidance on the care of five orphaned orangutan cubs found in Balasore district of Odisha.

On Sept. 8, patrolling Forest officials found the 5 abandoned orangutan cubs in Bichitrapur-Ranakatha Protected Reserve Forest near Badapai in Balasore. The discovery was startling as orangutans are native to Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo and Sumatra and are not found in India. The cubs comprised 3 males and 2 females.

They were found without their mother or any adult orangutan, raising immediate concerns about their survival and suspicions of international wildlife trafficking. They were shifted the same night to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar.

They are currently housed in a quarantine and hand-rearing facility, where they are undergoing medical observation, disease screening and acclimatisation. Their care includes round-the-clock monitoring, a specialised diet, veterinary supervision and enrichment with toys and swings, besides temperature-controlled accommodation.

The Odisha Govt. has constituted a 5-member Technical Committee, which includes Mysuru Zoo veterinarians Dr.Shashidhar and Dr. Madan. They both visited Nandankanan Zoo four days ago and shared detailed instructions based on Mysuru Zoo’s experience in orangutan care & their treatment.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Police Special Task Force and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau have launched an investigation into how the cubs reached India.

Given Mysuru Zoo’s expertise in orangutan care, there were expectations that the cubs could be relocated to Mysuru Zoo. However, no official communication regarding their transfer has been received so far.

“Mysuru Zoo staff are eager to welcome the cubs and provide specialised care. While the veterinarians have returned after offering guidance, the Zoo is still awaiting confirmation from the Odisha authorities on whether the cubs will be moved to Mysuru,” said Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Lakshmikanth.