Authorities in the Indian state of Odisha have confirmed that three out of five rescued orangutans are suffering from anaemia, according to officials familiar with the animals' medical records. The revelation came after a thorough health evaluation of all five primates, which included blood tests and X-ray imaging, was conducted following concerns raised when one of the juvenile orangutans developed a fever.
The five Sumatran orangutans were rescued and brought toOdisha over recent weeks as part of a broader anti-wildlife-trafficking operation. When veterinarians began assessing their condition upon arrival, they discovered that three of the apes were anemic, a common complication among wild primates seized from illegal captivity who often endure prolonged periods of malnutrition, stress, and inadequate care during transit.
Medical staff have since begun administering iron supplements and other treatments tailored to each animal's condition. Conservation experts note that orangutans in the illegal wildlife trade frequently arrive in frail health due to the inhumane conditions they endure before rescue. The disease requires ongoing monitoring, and officials say the animals will need continued veterinary attention over the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have acknowledged that the probe into the smuggling network behind the orangutan rescue has yet to yield major breakthroughs. Despite investigations underway, authorities have not been able to identify the key players or trace the routes through which the primates were allegedly moved across borders. Wildlife crime syndicates are known to use elaborate networks spanning multiple states and countries, making investigations inherently complex and time-consuming.
Wildlife conservation groups have expressed both concern and gratitude — concern for the vulnerable animals still under treatment, and gratitude for their rescue. The Sumatran orangutan is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with habitat loss in Indonesian rainforests and illegal trafficking driving their declining populations. Officials stress that successful prosecution of those involved in the trade remains a priority alongside ensuring the animals receive proper care.
