00:03Why are orangutans smuggled?
00:06What makes five baby orangutans, animals native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra,
00:12valuable enough to be smuggled thousands of kilometres away?
00:18The rescue of five young orangutans from a forest in Odisha's Balasor
00:23has raised questions about a possible international wildlife trafficking network.
00:32Rare Animals, Illegal Demand
00:36According to the investigation, orangutans are extremely rare and critically endangered,
00:41making their young particularly attractive in the illegal wildlife market.
00:46Potential buyers can include people seeking exotic animals, private collectors
00:50and illegally operated private zoos or parks.
00:55In some cases, owning rare wildlife can also be seen as a symbol of wealth or social status.
01:01The illegal trade can also exploit legitimate-looking businesses such as pet shops, private zoos,
01:06farms and breeding facilities.
01:08Why are baby orangutans targeted?
01:13Baby orangutans are especially vulnerable because they can be easier to handle and keep in captivity.
01:18Wildlife conservation records have documented cases involving the killing of mothers to capture their young for illegal seal.
01:25Another potential reason cited is demand for orangutan body parts and bones in illegal wildlife markets.
01:32Some reports and claims have linked such demand to traditional medicine and superstition in China and some other Asian countries.
01:38However, investigators have not established any direct link between this alleged demand and the five orangutans rescued in Odisha.
01:46The Odisha Police STF and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating how the five reached India,
01:51their possible route and who brought them to Balasur.
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