Authorities have rescued five baby orangutans far away from their natural habitat in a forest in the eastern state of Odisha on the morning of September 8, 2026. India has no wild orangutan population; they are found only in Indonesia and Malaysia. The animals were seen moving through the casuarina forest at around 6 am. Photos and videos of these critically endangered apes sitting and eating bananas quickly spread online."The five animals were found in Ranakata, a proposed reserve forest in Bhogarai block, near the West Bengal border," said Balasore District Forest Officer Pratik Prakash Indalkar.&nbsp;"The area is covered mainly by casuarina trees and is not a dense forest. It is also close to a state highway," he added.The authorities have scanned the area; they have not found any orangutans. Authorities have described them as infants, though locals are describing them as one or two years old.&nbsp;He said that the red-haired ape could not have otherwise reached Asia if it were not transported by Road. They were given first aid and taken to Nandankanan Zoological Park in the state capital, Bhubaneswar, where they are in quarantine and being monitored.Odisha's Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said that the investigators are examining whether they might have been trafficked into India by an international smuggling network and abandoned near the highway.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-bank-new-development-bank-world-bank-imf-1788886924159">BRICS Bank: Can the New Development Bank challenge the World Bank and IMF?</a>The orangutans are classified as a critically endangered species and are normally found in tropical forests. There are three known living species of orangutans: Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli. India does have tropical forests, but their natural habitat lies on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. The species usually remains with their mothers, developing skills needed to survive. Females also reproduce slowly and take almost eight years to give birth once. Over the years, their population have decreased due to deforestation and habitat loss.This is not the first time orangutans have been found in India. In 2022, similarly, two baby orangutans were found abandoned on the border between Assam and Mizoram. International commercial trading of orangutans is prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They are also protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Despite these they are often trafficked and sold as exotic pets to private collectors.&nbsp;

Five baby orangutans were rescued from a casuarina forest in Odisha's Balasore district. Authorities are probing possible wildlife trafficking.

Authorities have rescued five baby orangutans far away from their natural habitat in a forest in the eastern state of Odisha on the morning of September 8, 2026. India has no wild orangutan population; they are found only in Indonesia and Malaysia. The animals were seen moving through the casuarina forest at around 6 am. Photos and videos of these critically endangered apes sitting and eating bananas quickly spread online. "The five animals were found in Ranakata, a proposed reserve forest in Bhogarai block, near the West Bengal border," said Balasore District Forest Officer Pratik Prakash Indalkar. "The area is covered mainly by casuarina trees and is not a dense forest. It is also close to a state highway," he added. The authorities have scanned the area; they have not found any orangutans. Authorities have described them as infants, though locals are describing them as one or two years old. He said that the red-haired ape could not have otherwise reached Asia if it were not transported by Road. They were given first aid and taken to Nandankanan Zoological Park in the state capital, Bhubaneswar, where they are in quarantine and being monitored. Odisha's Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said that the investigators are examining whether they might have been trafficked into India by an international smuggling network and abandoned near the highway. Also Read: BRICS Bank: Can the New Development Bank challenge the World Bank and IMF? The orangutans are classified as a critically endangered species and are normally found in tropical forests. There are three known living species of orangutans: Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli. India does have tropical forests, but their natural habitat lies on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. The species usually remains with their mothers, developing skills needed to survive. Females also reproduce slowly and take almost eight years to give birth once. Over the years, their population have decreased due to deforestation and habitat loss. This is not the first time orangutans have been found in India. In 2022, similarly, two baby orangutans were found abandoned on the border between Assam and Mizoram. International commercial trading of orangutans is prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They are also protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Despite these they are often trafficked and sold as exotic pets to private collectors.

Five baby orangutans were rescued from a casuarina forest in Odisha's Balasore district. Authorities are probing possible wildlife trafficking.

Five baby orangutans rescued in Odisha forest near West Bengal border

Relocating orangutans is a common practice to protect them from wildfires and other suspected dangers. These relocation practices are seen a lot in Malaysia and Indonesia. A recent study has found that orangutans find their way back to where they spent most of their time. Even though the conservationists carry out these operations with good intent, the outcome can differ.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/woman-staff-calmly-talking-to-monkey-at-singapores-changi-airport-video-goes-viral-781445">Woman staff calmly talks to monkey at Singapore&rsquo;s Changi Airport, video goes viral</a>
These movements from unprotected fragmented forests and forest patches are known as wild-to-wild translocation and are done to conserve species. Some of these fragments also have human cohabitation, and the mammals are seen foraging crops.
&ldquo;Some of these animals are really old. In one instance, a 60-year-old male was moved. To you and me, that&rsquo;s like if someone kidnaps your grandpa, knocks him out, blindfolds him, drives him miles away from his neighbourhood, and then drops him off in some city he&rsquo;s never seen, where the people are unhappy to see him and might be aggressive,&rdquo; says lead author Julie Sherman, the director of Wildlife Impact, told news outlet Guardian.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-animals-poisoned-blown-up-at-top-secret-uk-military-lab-8572706">Secret UK military lab 'blew up', 'poisoned' thousands of animals</a>
The study published in PLOS highlights, "We investigated orangutan wild-to-wild translocations in Indonesia from 2005 to 2022 using primarily data from public sources and consultation with practitioners. At least 988 wild orangutans were captured for translocation during the study period, including many reproductively valuable resident females and adult males removed from unprotected fragmented forests and forest patches."
The researchers in the study have suggested wild-to-wild translocations should not be the norm but instead used as an exception in situations where it is necessary. They further added the fragments used by orangutans should be monitored, developed, and maintained from time to time. Also, post-translocation monitoring should be worked upon.

Relocating orangutans is a common practice to protect them from wildfires and other suspected dangers. A recent study has found that orangutans find their way back. World news

Relocating orangutans is a common practice to protect them from wildfires and other suspected dangers. These relocation practices are seen a lot in Malaysia and Indonesia. A recent study has found that orangutans find their way back to where they spent most of their time. Even though the conservationists carry out these operations with good intent, the outcome can differ. Also read: Woman staff calmly talks to monkey at Singapore’s Changi Airport, video goes viral These movements from unprotected fragmented forests and forest patches are known as wild-to-wild translocation and are done to conserve species. Some of these fragments also have human cohabitation, and the mammals are seen foraging crops. “Some of these animals are really old. In one instance, a 60-year-old male was moved. To you and me, that’s like if someone kidnaps your grandpa, knocks him out, blindfolds him, drives him miles away from his neighbourhood, and then drops him off in some city he’s never seen, where the people are unhappy to see him and might be aggressive,” says lead author Julie Sherman, the director of Wildlife Impact, told news outlet Guardian. Also read: Secret UK military lab 'blew up', 'poisoned' thousands of animals The study published in PLOS highlights, "We investigated orangutan wild-to-wild translocations in Indonesia from 2005 to 2022 using primarily data from public sources and consultation with practitioners. At least 988 wild orangutans were captured for translocation during the study period, including many reproductively valuable resident females and adult males removed from unprotected fragmented forests and forest patches." The researchers in the study have suggested wild-to-wild translocations should not be the norm but instead used as an exception in situations where it is necessary. They further added the fragments used by orangutans should be monitored, developed, and maintained from time to time. Also, post-translocation monitoring should be worked upon.

'If someone kidnaps your grandpa...': Researchers suggest against relocating orangutans

A combination of traditional recording methods and AI analysis helped in identifying three distinct variations within the long calls of primates. This new finding suggests that their vocalisations might be even more intricate than previously understood, a new study published in PeerJ Life &amp; Environment says.

Orangutans are the largest tree-dwelling mammal and primarily eat insects and flowers. They are also known for complex social behaviour and communication.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-releases-strongest-x-ray-flares-since-2005-scientists-warn-massive-sunspot-yet-to-burst-721537">Sun releases strongest X-ray flares since 2005, scientists warn massive sunspot yet to burst</a>

Study co-author and Cornell University primatologist Wendy Erb said in a statement, “Our research aimed to unravel the intricacy of orangutan long calls, which play a crucial role in their communication across distances in the dense rainforests of Indonesia.”

“In the past three years, we have built hundreds of long call recordings, which are revealing an enthralling array of vocal diversity,” said Erb.

Known for their loud nature, long calls are vocalisations produced by male primates. These sounds serve as communication tools across long distances to connect with others. Previous research had compiled a 'dictionary' of the different 'pulses' within these calls.&nbsp;

Building on this foundation, a new study led by Dr Lisa Erb aimed to achieve three key objectives:&nbsp;

1) Identify the exact number of distinct pulse types.

2) Pinpoint the features that differentiate them.

3) Assess the degree of variation within these pulse types.

With the help of recorded video and audio sources, Erb and his team used machine learning to carefully analyse the long calls of 13 individual orangutans.

“Through a combination of supervised and unsupervised methods, we identified three distinct pulse types that were well differentiated by both humans and machines,” said Erb.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/face-of-stone-age-man-thought-to-have-drowned-4000-years-ago-reconstructed-721411">Face of Stone Age man thought to have drowned 4,000 years ago reconstructed</a>

"This research advances our understanding of how orangutans communicate. However, it is&nbsp;likely just the tip of the iceberg. The orangutans' vocal repertoire may be much richer than we currently recognise, highlighting the remarkable complexity of their vocal system," adds Erb.

According to the team, the pulses are not just random noises; it reveals the power in collaborating across scientific disciplines and combining traditional research methods with advances in AI.

(With inputs from agencies)

A combination of traditional recording methods and AI analysis helped in identifying three distinct variations within the long calls of primates. This new finding suggests that their vocalisations might be even more intricate than previously understood, a new study published in PeerJ Life & Environment says.

A combination of traditional recording methods and AI analysis helped in identifying three distinct variations within the long calls of primates. This new finding suggests that their vocalisations might be even more intricate than previously understood, a new study published in PeerJ Life & Environment says. Orangutans are the largest tree-dwelling mammal and primarily eat insects and flowers. They are also known for complex social behaviour and communication. Also read: Sun releases strongest X-ray flares since 2005, scientists warn massive sunspot yet to burst Study co-author and Cornell University primatologist Wendy Erb said in a statement, “Our research aimed to unravel the intricacy of orangutan long calls, which play a crucial role in their communication across distances in the dense rainforests of Indonesia.” “In the past three years, we have built hundreds of long call recordings, which are revealing an enthralling array of vocal diversity,” said Erb. Known for their loud nature, long calls are vocalisations produced by male primates. These sounds serve as communication tools across long distances to connect with others. Previous research had compiled a 'dictionary' of the different 'pulses' within these calls. Building on this foundation, a new study led by Dr Lisa Erb aimed to achieve three key objectives: 1) Identify the exact number of distinct pulse types. 2) Pinpoint the features that differentiate them. 3) Assess the degree of variation within these pulse types. With the help of recorded video and audio sources, Erb and his team used machine learning to carefully analyse the long calls of 13 individual orangutans. “Through a combination of supervised and unsupervised methods, we identified three distinct pulse types that were well differentiated by both humans and machines,” said Erb. Also read: Face of Stone Age man thought to have drowned 4,000 years ago reconstructed "This research advances our understanding of how orangutans communicate. However, it is likely just the tip of the iceberg. The orangutans' vocal repertoire may be much richer than we currently recognise, highlighting the remarkable complexity of their vocal system," adds Erb. According to the team, the pulses are not just random noises; it reveals the power in collaborating across scientific disciplines and combining traditional research methods with advances in AI. (With inputs from agencies)

What are the Orangutans yelling? Something quite intricate actually

An orangutan has been seen treating a wound using a plant with known pain-relieving properties, marking the first known instance of a wild animal deliberately tending to its injuries with medicine. Watch in for more details!

Orangutan seen treating wound with medicinal plant in first for wild animals

Believe it or not, it seems orangutans also use slang to show coolness. &nbsp;

Orangutans are able to come up with new versions of the calls, which can vary in pitch and duration, found the researchers. &nbsp;

Not just this, the frequency of novel calls is also influenced by the density of the community. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lucky-for-now-fridge-sized-asteroid-gets-spotted-just-two-hours-before-hitting-earth-says-nasa-464282" hreflang="en">Lucky for now? Fridge-sized asteroid gets spotted just two hours before hitting Earth, says NASA &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

The study has been published in the journal ‘Nature Ecology and Evolution’. &nbsp;

The researchers, who studied the “kiss-squeak” alarm calls of the wild communities of these apes in Borneo and Sumatra, said that they spent around 6,120 observation hours at six research stations between 2005 and 2010. They also recorded orangutan kiss-squeaks of around 70 individuals. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/recycled-plastic-bottles-pass-more-harmful-chemicals-into-contents-than-new-ones-warn-researchers-463736" hreflang="en">Recycled plastic bottles pass more harmful chemicals into contents than new ones, warn researchers</a>

Dr Adriano Lameira, first author of the research from the department of psychology at the University of Warwick, said, “The way I see it is that low densities [of] orangutans have a slang repertoire that they constantly revisit and use. They are ‘conservative’, but once a new call variant is used, everyone hears it and the variant is quickly incorporated, enriching the slang.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

“In high density [communities of orangutans], communication is more like a cacophony. It seems ‘novelty’ is at a premium, much like in songbirds, and that individuals want to show off their coolness and how [much of a] rebel they are,” Lameira said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Believe it or not, it seems orangutans also use slang to show coolness. Orangutans are able to come up with new versions of the calls, which can vary in pitch and duration, found the researchers.

Believe it or not, it seems orangutans also use slang to show coolness. Orangutans are able to come up with new versions of the calls, which can vary in pitch and duration, found the researchers. Not just this, the frequency of novel calls is also influenced by the density of the community. Also Read: Lucky for now? Fridge-sized asteroid gets spotted just two hours before hitting Earth, says NASA The study has been published in the journal ‘Nature Ecology and Evolution’. The researchers, who studied the “kiss-squeak” alarm calls of the wild communities of these apes in Borneo and Sumatra, said that they spent around 6,120 observation hours at six research stations between 2005 and 2010. They also recorded orangutan kiss-squeaks of around 70 individuals. Also Read: Recycled plastic bottles pass more harmful chemicals into contents than new ones, warn researchers Dr Adriano Lameira, first author of the research from the department of psychology at the University of Warwick, said, “The way I see it is that low densities [of] orangutans have a slang repertoire that they constantly revisit and use. They are ‘conservative’, but once a new call variant is used, everyone hears it and the variant is quickly incorporated, enriching the slang.” “In high density [communities of orangutans], communication is more like a cacophony. It seems ‘novelty’ is at a premium, much like in songbirds, and that individuals want to show off their coolness and how [much of a] rebel they are,” Lameira said. (With inputs from agencies)

To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study   

The Indonesian government's move to relocate the country's capital to the dense but dwindling jungles of East Kalimantan province has increased fears for the future of orangutans.

Sumatran orangutans' habitat has drastically shrunk over the past few decades from logging, palm oil plantations, and mining.

Indonesia has designated several areas in Kalimantan as safe havens for Borneo orangutans, which are on the World Wildlife Fund's endangered list.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-orangutan-parenting-the-kids-can-get-their-own-dinner-437873">Also read |&nbsp;In Orangutan parenting, the kids can get their own dinner</a>

"The move will bring a large population but also big demands for changes to land-use to accommodate new housing and office complexes, even food production centers," says Anton Nurcahyo, deputy CEO of the Indonesian non-profit Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS).

"This inevitably will create huge changes to the surrounding habitats."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/orangutans-struggle-to-breathe-health-affected-by-toxic-haze-250413/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, east Kalimantan Governor Isran Noor said, "Of course, there will be a few sacrifices, but ultimately, we aim to achieve forest revitalisation. When finished it will boast at least 70 per cent open green space."

Survey results and habitat feasibility studies have deemed Tanagupa forest a suitable area to resettle orangutans, as it is far from human settlements, has an abundance of foraging plants, and has a low density of resident orangutans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-smuggled-indonesian-orangutans-fly-home-from-thailand-350420">Also read |&nbsp;Two smuggled Indonesian orangutans fly home from Thailand</a>

"The neighboring Sepaku and Samboja districts (earmarked for Nusantara) do not have wild orangutan populations," Nurcahyo says.

"But the orangutan rehabilitation center is located here, on 1,850 hectares of forest, which needs to be preserved in its current condition."

Conservationists hope the dedicated habitats will help sustain Indonesia’s orangutans. There are an estimated 104,700 Bornean orangutans, less than half the 230,000 a century ago, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

"With the unique ecosystems in East Kalimantan, it is vital to have a mitigation plan in place tailored to these specific environmental needs," Nurcahyo insists.

"That plan is still being developed. The first step will be to evaluate and map the impact of the move."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Indonesian government's move to relocate the country's capital to the dense but dwindling jungles of East Kalimantan province has increased fears for the future of orangutans.

The Indonesian government's move to relocate the country's capital to the dense but dwindling jungles of East Kalimantan province has increased fears for the future of orangutans. Sumatran orangutans' habitat has drastically shrunk over the past few decades from logging, palm oil plantations, and mining. Indonesia has designated several areas in Kalimantan as safe havens for Borneo orangutans, which are on the World Wildlife Fund's endangered list. Also read | In Orangutan parenting, the kids can get their own dinner "The move will bring a large population but also big demands for changes to land-use to accommodate new housing and office complexes, even food production centers," says Anton Nurcahyo, deputy CEO of the Indonesian non-profit Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS). "This inevitably will create huge changes to the surrounding habitats." However, east Kalimantan Governor Isran Noor said, "Of course, there will be a few sacrifices, but ultimately, we aim to achieve forest revitalisation. When finished it will boast at least 70 per cent open green space." Survey results and habitat feasibility studies have deemed Tanagupa forest a suitable area to resettle orangutans, as it is far from human settlements, has an abundance of foraging plants, and has a low density of resident orangutans. Also read | Two smuggled Indonesian orangutans fly home from Thailand "The neighboring Sepaku and Samboja districts (earmarked for Nusantara) do not have wild orangutan populations," Nurcahyo says. "But the orangutan rehabilitation center is located here, on 1,850 hectares of forest, which needs to be preserved in its current condition." Conservationists hope the dedicated habitats will help sustain Indonesia’s orangutans. There are an estimated 104,700 Bornean orangutans, less than half the 230,000 a century ago, according to the World Wildlife Fund. "With the unique ecosystems in East Kalimantan, it is vital to have a mitigation plan in place tailored to these specific environmental needs," Nurcahyo insists. "That plan is still being developed. The first step will be to evaluate and map the impact of the move." (With inputs from agencies)

Fears for orangutans' future heightens amid shift in Indonesia's capital

An Indonesian rehabilitation centre on Borneo island said it released 10 critically endangered orangutans into the wild last week with help from a helicopter.

Indonesian rehabilitation centre releases 10 orangutans into wild

Two orangutans, a mother and baby, were rescued by environmentalists after their habitat was destroyed by forest fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan province, and relocated to a healthy patch of forest on the same day.

Mother and baby orangutans relocated from Indonesia forest fire

East Kalimantan is known for its lush forestry and protected animals, most notably the endangered orangutans, but with the plan to move the capital from Jakarta to the region, conservationists are worried there may be some impact on the ecosystem.

Orangutans struggle to breathe; health affected by toxic haze

A ground-breaking study which combines ecology, astrophysics and drone technology is being used to track orangutans. Borneo's orangutan population has declined from 230,000 to an estimated 104,000 over the last century - making the species critically-endangered according to WWF.

Ground-breaking study to track orangutans

orangutans

Orangutans, News on Orangutans, stories on Orangutans, articles on Orangutans, Orangutans stories at Wion, Orangutans news, Orangutans latest news