Indonesia begins effort to bring home five baby orangutans found abandoned in India

Where were the baby orangutans found?

Five baby orangutans were found abandoned in a forest in Balasore district in Odisha state, India. Rangers on patrol discovered the critically endangered primates on Tuesday.

How old are the orangutans and what is their condition?

Each of the five infants is estimated to be about one-and-a-half years old. Veterinary checks showed they appeared healthy despite being abandoned and separated from their mothers.

Where are the orangutans believed to have originated?

Indonesian officials believe the orangutans originated from Sumatra Island based on their distinctive shaggy red fur and other physical characteristics. DNA testing will be conducted to confirm their geographic origin.

Why does finding orangutans in India indicate illegal trafficking?

Orangutans occur naturally only in Indonesia's Sumatra and Borneo islands. Since the species does not exist naturally in India, their discovery there is a clear indicator of illegal cross-border wildlife trade.

What is Indonesia doing about the discovered orangutans?

Indonesia's forestry ministry has begun coordination efforts to bring the five baby orangutans home. The infants have been moved to a zoo in India for care while arrangements are made for their return.