Investigators probing the mysterious appearance of five critically endangered orangutans in Odisha’s Balasore district are examining CCTV footage of a black Mahindra Thar. The vehicle was spotted passing near the forest area at around 11:25 PM on Monday night—the night before the non-indigenous apes were discovered—and returning 15 minutes later.
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The Rescue: Five orangutans, valued at ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh each on the international market, were rescued from the Balasore district forest on Tuesday and placed in quarantine at the Nandan Kanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar.
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Investigation Setup: A four-member Special Task Force (STF) has been deployed, and authorities have requested the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) to lead a broader probe.
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Transit Routes: Odisha Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia noted that the animals may have been smuggled into the state via air, water, or rail routes. Authorities have contacted local ports, railway stations, and airports to review surveillance footage.
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Medical Monitoring: State forest department doctors, alongside the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), are closely monitoring the rescued animals, with potential plans to bring in national wildlife medical experts if needed.
The vehicle was spotted passing near the forest area at around 11:25 PM on Monday night—the night before the non-indigenous apes were discovered—and returning 15 minutes later.
-
The Rescue: Five orangutans, valued at ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh each on the international market, were rescued from the Balasore district forest on Tuesday and placed in quarantine at the Nandan Kanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar.
-
Investigation Setup: A four-member Special Task Force (STF) has been deployed, and authorities have requested the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) to lead a broader probe.
-
Transit Routes: Odisha Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia noted that the animals may have been smuggled into the state via air, water, or rail routes. Authorities have contacted local ports, railway stations, and airports to review surveillance footage.
-
Medical Monitoring: State forest department doctors, alongside the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), are closely monitoring the rescued animals, with potential plans to bring in national wildlife medical experts if needed.
