Bhubaneswar: Sept 10 [UDN}:The rescued orangutan currently being kept at Nandankanan Zoological Park will continue to receive careful care and protection, Odisha’s Forest and Environment Minister said while reacting to the recent orangutan rescue incident.
The Minister said that the orangutan has been kept safely and under close observation at Nandankanan. The state government has also sought permission from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to allow the orangutan to remain at Nandankanan on a permanent basis.
According to the Minister, the presence of an orangutan at Nandankanan could further enhance the attraction of the zoological park and potentially draw more tourists. He said the authorities are taking all necessary steps to ensure the animal’s safety, proper care and well-being.
Meanwhile, an investigation is underway to determine who brought the orangutan to Odisha and from where it was brought. Authorities are examining CCTV footage from important entry and exit points, including the airport and railway stations, to trace the animal’s movement and identify the people involved.
The authorities are also discussing the possibility of movement through waterways with the Coast Guard, as part of the investigation. At the same time, discussions are reportedly being held with zoo authorities across different parts of the country to ascertain whether the orangutan could have been illegally removed from another zoological facility.
The Minister said that if the investigation establishes that the orangutan was stolen from a zoo and subsequently brought to Odisha, appropriate action will be taken. Officials are therefore examining different possibilities and coordinating with various agencies to establish the animal’s origin and the circumstances surrounding its arrival.
The state government is continuing its efforts to ensure that the rescued orangutan remains safe while the investigation into the unusual case progresses.
