Indonesia has yet to provide concrete evidence for rescued orangutans

Odisha Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia stated on Sunday, 8 November, 2026, that Indonesia or any other country has not yet presented any documentary evidence to claim ownership of the five orangutans rescued from the forests of Odisha two months ago.

Speaking to journalists, Minister Khuntia informed that the health of all five rescued orangutans is good and they are growing well. He added that these animals should not be subjected to any kind of disturbance. The state government intends for all five orangutans to remain in Odisha so that visitors have the opportunity to see them at Nandankanan Zoological Park.

The Minister further clarified that under international wildlife trade regulations, certain countries may claim these animals, but they must present concrete evidence to prove that the rescued animals truly belong to their territory. He stated that while the Indonesian government has raised a claim as a matter of course, the Odisha government will demand proof to establish that these orangutans are from their country. They can only be handed over to them if they provide proper evidence.

The state government has sent the details of these rescued animals to the Central Government for necessary action. According to Minister Khuntia, a suitable environment for orangutans is available in Odisha, which is why the government wishes to keep them here.

The rescue operation for these five orangutans was carried out on 8 September from the Bichitrapur forest in Balasore district. They were subsequently moved to Nandankanan Zoological Park, where they are currently kept in quarantine. According to officials, the animals are being kept in temperature-controlled rooms and are gradually adapting to the local environment.

The state government has made necessary arrangements for the animals' comfort and to alleviate their stress. Officials noted that these animals are displaying various emotions, including playful behaviour, mood swings, and holding onto each other anxiously.

A special enclosure is already available for orangutans at Nandankanan Zoological Park. This enclosure had fallen vacant following the death of a 41-year-old female orangutan in 2019. This female orangutan had been brought from Pune Zoo in 2003.

Additionally, a joint investigation has been undertaken by the Odisha Police Special Task Force (STF) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB). The objective of this investigation is to ascertain how these orangutans reached Balasore. Investigators are also looking into the possibility of involvement of an international wildlife smuggling network in this matter.

The special enclosure for orangutans at Nandankanan Zoological Park had been vacant since the death of a female orangutan in 2019, who had been brought from Pune in 2003.