A five-person technical committee was established by the Odisha Forest Department on Sunday to supervise the care and maintenance of five rescued orangutans that are now kept at Nandankanan Zoological Park. To offer technical advice on their care, specialists from prestigious zoological and wildlife organizations have been invited on board. After five living orangutans were rescued in the Baleshwar Forest Division on September 8, 2026, and then moved to Nandankanan, the committee was established. In compliance with the terms of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the panel will evaluate matters pertaining to the animals’ welfare and offer technical assistance to guaranty their appropriate care and maintenance.
The PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Karnataka, will nominate a veterinary officer from Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysuru, Karnataka, to serve on the committee. Members include the Project Coordinator of the Center for Wildlife Health, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, and a delegate chosen by the Director of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. The panel will also include a veterinary officer appointed by the director of the National Zoological Park in New Delhi. The Member-Convener is the director of Nandankanan Zoological Park.
In light of the requirement for specialized technical control of the rescued animals after their arrest in Baleshwar and subsequent transport to Nandankanan, the committee was established. The panel will look at matters pertaining to their wellbeing and offer professional advice on their maintenance and care. The committee’s initial term will be six months, although it may occasionally be extended if necessary. Additionally, it has the authority to consult or co-opt reputable national and international persons and organizations as needed. According to the Forest Department, the committee was established to make sure that the rescued animals are kept and cared for in compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972.