Rescued Orangutans Under Stress at Nandankanan Zoo, Sample Collection Deferred

Bhubaneswar, Odisha: The two orangutans rescued in Balasore are currently undergoing treatment at Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar, but the animals are reportedly under considerable stress. Their sample collection has been postponed on the advice of the Centre for Wildlife Health Committee. Officials are expected to collect the samples after around 10 days, once the orangutans have settled and become stress-free. Experts from Mysuru Zoo and the Wildlife Institute of India will assess their mental and behavioural condition. As their moods have reportedly been fluctuating and they are not playing normally, music therapy, including classical music, is being considered to help reduce their stress. A swing has also been provided to keep the animals active and help them relax. Experts suspect the orangutans may also have developed respiratory infections after exposure to sea air while being transported by water. Their separation from their mother is another possible factor behind their mental stress. Meanwhile, the investigation into their suspected illegal transportation has intensified. The STF and Forest Department have examined CCTV footage from around 45 cameras along the Chandaneswar-Udaypur-Digha route and are following leads that have taken teams towards Kolkata. Officials suspect the orangutans may have been brought from West Bengal by road through interior routes to avoid the National Highway. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau teams from Bhopal and Kolkata are also assisting in the investigation.