Authorities suspect the five primates were trafficked into India, sparking a criminal investigation
1-MIN READ1-MIN ListenAgence France-PressePublished: 2:45pm, 11 Sep 2026Indonesian authorities are working to repatriate five baby orangutans allegedly trafficked to India, where they were found motherless in a forest, Jakarta’s forestry ministry said on Friday.The critically endangered animals were found on Tuesday by rangers patrolling in the Balasore district of India’s eastern Odisha state.
Authorities suspect the primates, known for their shaggy red fur, were trafficked into India, sparking a criminal investigation.
The youngsters, estimated to be about one-and-a-half years old, appeared to be healthy and were being cared for at a zoo after their rescue, the ministry said in a statement.
The five infants were believed to be of Sumatran origins, based on preliminary physical observations, the ministry said.
DNA tests will be used to confirm where they were from.
