Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A baby orangutan of Sumatran origin, rescued in India in 2024, was sent back to Indonesia on Monday following coordinated efforts by wildlife authorities in both countries, the Indian Embassy said, according to news agency Press Trust of India.
The repatriation was coordinated by the authorities responsible for implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, in India and Indonesia.
advertisement
The orangutan was repatriated from Gujarat and arrived at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan on Monday. Officials from the Consulate General of India attended a reception organised by Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry.
Since its rescue, the orangutan had received veterinary care and was kept in appropriate habitat facilities by Indian wildlife authorities.
The Indian mission in Jakarta said in a statement that the animal was repatriated in line with the required procedures. As a special gesture, the Indian government waived the recovery of all costs incurred on its care and maintenance before the repatriation, PTI reported.
The mission said the successful repatriation reflected the close ties between India and Indonesia and their shared commitment to protecting endangered species.
Efforts are also underway to repatriate five young orangutans rescued in Odisha in September. The process is subject to confirmation of their species and origin and the completion of the required procedures.
The Indian Embassy is facilitating a visit to India by wildlife experts from Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry in November to assist with the process. The five rescued animals are being cared for at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, where they are receiving veterinary care.
The repatriation of the baby orangutan was completed through cooperation between Indian and Indonesian authorities, while the process of returning the five orangutans rescued in Odisha is continuing.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
