Bhubaneswar, September 16 (Daily Kiran) : Five young orangutans recently rescued from the Balasore Forest Division are currently housed at the Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar. Following a health assessment by Dr. Shashidhar, the assistant director of Mysore Zoo, it was revealed that while all five appear normal and active, two of them are suffering from anemia.
In response to the situation, the Odisha government has established a technical team to monitor the health and welfare of the infants. Dr. Shashidhar stated that blood and stool samples were sent for detailed laboratory analysis, which confirmed that two of the orangutans are indeed anemic.
He explained, “The blood tests indicated that one orangutan has severe anemia, while the other has a milder form. We have recommended medication and are awaiting results from additional biochemical tests. Once we receive the reports, we will conduct a comprehensive health evaluation.”
Experts have noted that the young orangutans are likely experiencing significant stress after being separated from their mothers at such a young age. Dr. Shashidhar emphasized that orangutans depend on their mothers for an extended period. The early separation increases their risk of infections due to heightened stress levels.
Decisions regarding further treatment will be made after analyzing the lab reports. Dr. Shashidhar highlighted the need for a controlled environment for the young orangutans until they can become self-sufficient.
He remarked, “Orangutans have a long childhood, lasting from zero to three years, followed by a juvenile stage from four to seven years. Therefore, they require extended care in a controlled setting.”
Dr. Shashidhar also praised the arrangements made by the Nandankanan Zoo staff, noting that the facility includes temperature and humidity-controlled rooms to provide a suitable environment for the animals. “They are doing well at the moment,” he added.
Regarding their diet, he mentioned that the infants will need continuous care and proper nutrition tailored to their age and health requirements.
It is important to recall that these five baby orangutans were found abandoned in a forest in Odisha, prompting an investigation into how they ended up there. Viral videos showed the infants sitting on the forest floor eating bananas, far from their natural habitat in tropical rainforests and without their mothers. Orangutans are not native to India; they are critically endangered primates found in the forests of Indonesia and Malaysia.
Local residents alerted forest officials when they discovered the infants, leading to their rescue.
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