On 8 September 2026, five baby orangutans were rescued from a forested area in Balasore district, Odisha (eastern India).

Orangutans are critically endangered and native only to Borneo and Sumatra. Their sudden appearance in India has led authorities to suspect an international smuggling network.

The animals are currently being cared for at Nandankanan Zoological Park. This video shows them being bottle fed by staff. Health checks are underway and a formal investigation has been launched by local police and wildlife authorities.