Balasore, Odisha: An unusual wildlife incident has drawn attention in Odisha after five orangutans were found in the Bichitrapur forest area of Balasore district on Tuesday. The animals were spotted near Badapahi in the Ranakotha Reserve Forest under Bhograi block, prompting the Forest Department to intervene.
The discovery is particularly unusual because orangutans are not native to India. Officials are now examining the animals and investigating how they reached the forest in coastal Odisha.
Five orangutans rescued from Bichitrapur forest
According to reports, the animals were noticed in the forest area during the morning. After receiving information about the sighting, forest officials moved to the area and carried out a rescue operation.
The five animals were subsequently taken into the care of the Forest Department for examination and observation. Reports indicate that veterinary teams have been involved in checking their condition.
The unusual sighting also attracted significant public attention, with local residents gathering after news of the animals spread through the area.
How did the orangutans reach Odisha?
The biggest question now facing officials is the origin of the five orangutans.
PCCF Prem Jha has confirmed the animals as orangutans and said their health will be examined. An investigation will also be carried out to establish where they came from and how they reached the Balasore forest.
The state government has also sought an inquiry by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB). Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said authorities suspect that an international wildlife-smuggling operation could be linked to the animals’ presence in Balasore. That remains a suspicion under investigation, not an established finding.
Health checks and Nandankanan plan
The rescued orangutans will undergo health examinations as officials assess their physical condition and determine the appropriate next steps.
According to reports, arrangements are also being made to keep the rescued animals at Nandankanan Zoological Park in quarantine.
The immediate priority for authorities is therefore both animal welfare and determining the circumstances behind their arrival.
A rare wildlife incident in Odisha
The discovery has raised questions because orangutans are associated with Southeast Asian habitats rather than India’s natural forests. The animals are found primarily in parts of Indonesia and Malaysia, making their presence in Balasore particularly unusual.
For the Forest Department and investigating agencies, the next stage will be to establish the animals’ origin, trace how they reached Odisha and determine whether any illegal wildlife trade is involved.
For now, the 5 orangutans found in Balasore forest remain under official care while health assessments and the investigation continue.
