Bhubaneswar: A baby orangutan of Sumatran origin, rescued in India in November 2024, has been repatriated to Indonesia following coordinated efforts by wildlife protection agencies and the CITES Management Authorities of both countries.

The orangutan was repatriated from Gujarat and arrived at Kualanamu Airport in Medan, Indonesia, on October 19, 2026. Officials from the Consulate General of India in Medan attended a reception ceremony organised by Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry at the airport, according to a press release issued by the Embassy of India in Jakarta.

Since its rescue, the animal had received veterinary care and appropriate habitat facilities under the supervision of Indian wildlife authorities. The CITES Management Authorities of India and Indonesia worked closely to complete the repatriation in accordance with applicable requirements and protocols.

As a special gesture, the Government of India waived all historical costs incurred for the orangutan’s care and maintenance before its repatriation.

The successful transfer reflects the bilateral cooperation between India and Indonesia in protecting and conserving endangered wildlife, the Indian Embassy said.

Five orangutans rescued in Odisha may be repatriated soon

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to facilitate the early repatriation of 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 necessary procedures and regulatory requirements.

The five orangutans are currently being cared for at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, where they are receiving veterinary treatment and other necessary care.

The Embassy of India in Jakarta is also facilitating a visit by wildlife experts from Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry to India in November 2026 to assist in the process.

The animals were spotted in the Bichitrapur forest area under Bhograi block in Odisha’s Balasore district in September. According to forest officials, a team from the Udayapur Forest Division encountered them near Barapahi during routine patrolling in the Rankotha area on the morning of September 8.

Orangutans are not native to India

Orangutans are not native to India and are naturally found in the tropical rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. Their presence in Odisha prompted wildlife authorities to intervene and provide care and protection.

The repatriation of the orangutan from Gujarat marks a step in international cooperation to ensure that rescued wildlife can be returned to an appropriate environment in its region of origin.

The proposed return of the five orangutans in Odisha will depend on the confirmation of their origin and the fulfilment of the necessary legal and administrative requirements.