Rescued orangutans adapting well to Odisha climate, health improves: Forest Minister .

BHUBANESWAR, 30/09(PPT):September 30 The rescued orangutans housed in Odisha are adapting well to the State’s climatic conditions and showing improvement in their overall health, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said on Tuesday.

Mr. Khuntia said specialised veterinary teams were conducting regular health examinations of the animals and monitoring their condition closely. The orangutans had also recorded an increase in body weight since their rescue, he said.

“The climate of Odisha suits the orangutans. Special care is being taken and they are being monitored round the clock. Their weight has also increased,” the Minister said.

He said DNA testing of the orangutans would be undertaken shortly to establish their geographical origin. The State authorities had established contact with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in this regard, he said.

“Samples will be collected soon and sent for examination. Once the DNA test report is received, it will be clear which country the orangutans came from. The Government of India will also be informed about the findings,” Mr. Khuntia said.

The Minister said the DNA analysis would help authorities establish the origin of the rescued primates and provide greater clarity on their previous location and how they came to be in Odisha.