Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said the state wants to retain the animals if no conclusive evidence of their origin is provided.
The Odisha government has expressed willingness to retain five orangutans, rescued in Baleshwar district, at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle and Pragativadi.
Forest, environment and climate change minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said on Sunday, 8 November 2026, that the five primates are healthy. The animals were rescued on 8 September 2026 in the Barapahi area near Rankotha under Bhograi block during a routine forest patrol.
Khuntia stated that no country has officially staked a claim to take the animals back so far. While a team of experts from Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has submitted a report to the Government of India, the minister said they have not furnished concrete evidence establishing the animals' origin.
The Centre will ask the Indonesian side to produce documentary proof before a decision is made regarding their possible return. If no evidence is produced, the state will make arrangements for the orangutans to remain in Odisha.
An expert wildlife team from Indonesia is scheduled to visit Nandankanan in November 2026 to assist in evaluating the primates. The visit is being facilitated by the Embassy of India in Jakarta.
Khuntia said the government wants the animals to become an additional attraction for visitors. He added that if credible evidence is submitted, the matter will be examined in accordance with international laws governing wildlife repatriation.
