Orangutans rescued in Odisha have been diagnosed with anaemia, according to officials on Wednesday. The health issues were discovered during a comprehensive medical examination conducted after one of the juvenile primates developed a fever.
The orangutans, currently quarantined at Nandankanan Zoological Park, underwent X-rays and blood tests as part of the health check-up. Severe anaemia was identified in one orangutan, while two others showed mild symptoms. Supportive care, as recommended by the Technical Committee, has already commenced for the affected animals.
Director of Nandankanan Zoological Park, Sanath Kumar N., reported that the overall health condition of the orangutans appears stable. Four of the five animals recorded a body temperature of 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit, while a male orangutan showed a slightly higher temperature of 99 degrees Fahrenheit since its arrival on September 8.
In addition to the health assessments, blood samples are being analyzed for haemoglobin levels and white blood cell counts. Stool and urine samples are also under examination. These samples will be used for DNA testing to determine the origin of the rescued animals, potentially aiding the investigation into suspected wildlife smuggling.
The search for a laboratory capable of conducting the DNA tests is underway, as such facilities are rare. The laboratory must have standard DNA profiles of orangutans for comparison. Aditya Acharya, head of the Centre for Wildlife Health at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, emphasized that the well-being of the animals remains the priority, and decisions regarding the DNA tests will be made by zoo authorities.
Investigation into Wildlife Smuggling
The orangutans were rescued from a forest in Balasore district on September 8. The Odisha Police's Special Task Force (STF) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) are jointly investigating the suspected international wildlife smuggling case. However, no major breakthroughs have been reported in the investigation so far.
Bhograi MLA Goutam Buddha Das of the BJD criticized the state government for the slow pace of the investigation. He urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to transfer the case to a central agency like the CBI or NIA, citing the international smuggling element as a reason for a high-level probe.
In contrast, BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal defended the capabilities of the Odisha Police STF, stating that they are fully capable of resolving the case with WCCB's assistance. He accused the BJD MLA of politicizing the issue unnecessarily.
Officials noted that orangutans are not native to India, with their natural habitats located in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover how these primates ended up in Odisha and to dismantle any wildlife trafficking networks involved.
Meanwhile, the orangutan babies are being closely monitored and fed milk every two hours, along with apple and banana fluids and boiled potatoes at regular intervals, to ensure their nutritional needs are met during their recovery.
