India Sends Rescued Baby Sumatran Orangutan Home to Indonesia; 5 More Await Repatriation

A baby orangutan of Sumatran origin, rescued in India in November 2024, was repatriated to Indonesia on Monday through coordinated efforts by wildlife protection agencies and the CITES Management Authorities of both countries, the Embassy of India in Jakarta said.

According to the embassy’s press release, the orangutan was repatriated from Gujarat and landed at Kualanamu Airport in Medan. Officials from the Consulate General of India in Medan attended a reception ceremony organised by Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry.

The embassy announced the news on X with the line “Baby Orangutan Rescued in India Repatriated to Indonesia.”

Since its rescue, the animal has received veterinary care and suitable habitat facilities from Indian wildlife authorities, the release said. The CITES authorities of both countries stayed in close coordination to complete the repatriation in line with the applicable requirements and protocols.

A ‘SPECIAL GESTURE’

“As a special gesture,” the release said, the Government of India waived all historical costs incurred for the orangutan’s care and maintenance before its return. It called the repatriation a reflection of close bilateral ties and a shared commitment to protecting endangered species, and said it sets “a positive precedent” for future cooperation on wildlife conservation.

FIVE MORE IN ODISHA

Efforts are also under way to bring about the early repatriation of five young orangutans rescued in Odisha in September. That is subject to confirmation of their species and origin and completion of the necessary procedures and compliances, the release said. The five are being cared for at the Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, where they are receiving veterinary treatment.

The embassy is also facilitating a visit to India next month by wildlife experts from Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry.

With inputs from ANI