Rescued baby orangutans face 90-day quarantine at Nandankanan
Five rescued infants will remain under close care, with access restricted to doctors and caregivers.
Five baby orangutans rescued in Odisha will remain in quarantine for 90 days at Nandankanan Zoological Park, according to an Indian Express report updated on October 4. Zoo officials said the Central Zoo Authority recommended the extended period as a biosecurity measure.
The animals were found in a Balasore forest in September amid concerns about wildlife smuggling. Their rescue predates today's report; the current development concerns their continuing care and quarantine arrangements.
Only caregivers and doctors will be permitted inside the quarantine facility. Officials will monitor the infants' health, behaviour and development in the hand-rearing area.
The zoo also has adjoining open enclosures where the animals could spend daytime hours after technical advice. That possibility should not be confused with approval for public display. For now, the priority described by officials is controlled care and acclimatisation, rather than making the rescued animals a visitor attraction.