Baby orangutan rescued in Maharashtra’s Dombivli returns to Indonesia after nearly two years

A baby Sumatran orangutan rescued from a flat in Dombivli Thane district in November 2024 was repatriated to Indonesia on Monday following coordinated efforts by wildlife authorities and CITES management agencies of both countriesThe orangutan was flown from Gujarat to Indonesia and arrived at Kualanamu Airport in Medan on Monday Officials from the Consulate General of India in Medan attended a reception ceremony organised by Indonesiarsquos Ministry of Forestry at the airportAccording to a press release issued by the Embassy of India in Jakarta the orangutan received veterinary care and appropriate habitat facilities under the supervision of Indian wildlife authorities after its rescue The CITES management authorities of both countries coordinated the repatriation in accordance with the applicable procedures and protocolsAs a special gesture the Government of India waived all historical costs incurred for the animalrsquos care and maintenance before its repatriationOrangutan rescued during Dombivli raidOn November 20 2024 midday reported that the Maharashtra Forest Department and local police had rescued an orangutan and exotic reptiles during a raid at a flat in an upscale residential society in DombivliFollowing the rescue the animals were shifted to a staterecognised facility in Nagpur for care and upkeep on the directions of the then Chief Wildlife Warden of the Maharashtra ForestDepartment Sourceslater told midday that the orangutan was moved to a rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat to ensure better careThe repatriation marks the return of the animal to its country of origin after nearly two years in the care of Indian wildlife authoritiesFive orangutans rescued in Odisha may return soonEfforts are also underway to repatriate five young orangutans rescued in Odisha in September 2026 Their return is subject to confirmation of their species and origin along with the completion of the required procedures and compliance requirementsThe five orangutans are currently being cared for at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar where they are receiving veterinary treatment and protectionThe Embassy of India in Jakarta is facilitating a visit to India in November 2026 by Indonesian wildlife experts from the countryrsquos Ministry of Forestry to assist with the processThe Indian embassy said the successful repatriation of the first orangutan reflected the close bilateral ties between India and Indonesia and their shared commitment to protecting endangered species It also described the development as a positive precedent for future cooperation in wildlife conservationOrangutans face threats from illegal wildlife tradeOrangutans are great apes native to Indonesia and Malaysia and are listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES which provides the highest level of protection against international commercial tradeIllegal trade involving orangutans has been reported in India In 2015 two members of an alleged international wildlifesmuggling gang fled with two baby orangutans near Eluru in Andhra Pradesh before police could apprehend themThe word orangutan means ldquoperson of the forestrdquo in Malay These highly intelligent primates inhabit tropical rainforests and are known to use tools including leaves as umbrellas and cups for drinking waterOrangutans are semisolitary animals that rely on their natural surroundings to develop essential survival skills In captivity particularly when kept as attractions they may be deprived of opportunities to learn these skills and engage in natural behaviours