Five orangutans rescued from a forest area in Balasore are reportedly showing signs of stress as they continue to search for their mother. The animals have been shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park, where their health condition is currently stable.
Although their fever has subsided, the orangutans are yet to become fully active. According to veterinarians, the young animals appear anxious and keep looking around as if searching for their mother. They have been kept together, with the animals playing and sleeping alongside one another.
Music Therapy to Help Reduce Stress
Veterinarians said orangutans generally remain with their mothers for around eight to 10 years. Since the five rescued animals are still young, separation from their mother may be contributing to their stress.
To help them cope, toys are being provided to keep them engaged. The zoo authorities also plan to introduce music therapy to reduce their stress levels.
Once their stress decreases, blood samples will be collected to help determine their origin and identify their biological parents.
Blood and DNA Samples to Be Collected
A detailed health assessment of the rescued orangutans is underway. Blood, sickle-cell and DNA samples are expected to be collected as part of the examination.
The tests are being conducted based on recommendations from the Centre for Wildlife Health Committee under OUAT. The collected samples will be sent to laboratories for further analysis.
The tests will help determine whether the animals have any infections and establish whether the five orangutans are siblings from the same mother or belong to different mothers. DNA analysis is also expected to provide information about their actual age and breed/species.
Authorities are closely monitoring the animals as efforts continue to understand their origin and reunite them with their family, if possible.