1 of 5 rescued baby orangutan develops fever at Odisha's Nandankanan Zoo, expert cites stress

BHUBANESWAR: One of the five baby orangutans rescued from a forest in Odisha and quarantined at Nandankanan Zoological Park since September 8 has developed fever, prompting veterinarians to keep the animal under close medical observation.The other four orangutans are healthy and responding normally, officials said.One of the babies has been recording a high body temperature since Sunday and is being given medicines to control the fever, official sources said.Veterinarians are monitoring its condition closely and providing round-the-clock care, news agency PTI reported."One of the orangutans has had a fever since the day it was brought here. The fever subsides when given medicine, but reappears again. But it is now stable and under strict medical supervision," a senior official said.The quarantine enclosure at the zoo has recently become relatively crowded following the arrival of 58 new animals. However, officials said separate arrangements have been made for the five orangutans."We have made separate arrangements for the orangutans," the official said, adding that special mosquito nets have been installed in their temperature-controlled room.Experts cite stress, environment changeExperts said the fever could be linked to stress, fatigue or the sudden change in environment. The orangutans, which are not native to India, normally live in a rainforest environment and could take time to adjust to their new surroundings."It will take some time for the babies to get acclimated to the prevailing environment. The orangutans normally live in rainforest atmosphere," the veterinary officer said.According to Aditya Acharya, head of the Centre for Wildlife Health at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), high body temperature in orangutans is monitored in a manner similar to that in humans."Normally, animals like human beings are administered paracetamol-based medication during high body temperature," Acharya said.He said the orangutan with high body temperature is also being given less food than usual.Odisha forms 5-member care panelThe Odisha government has constituted a five-member technical committee to oversee the care and upkeep of the five baby orangutans.According to an order, the panel will assess issues concerning the welfare and upkeep of the rescued animals and provide technical inputs for their proper care.It can also consult or co-opt experts and organisations of national and international repute whenever required.Chief Wildlife Warden and PCCF (Wildlife) PK Jha said three caretakers and doctors had been deployed round-the-clock to monitor the health of the babies.Jha, however, said he was not aware of one of the orangutans suffering from fever.He said the caretakers were taking proper care of the animals and feeding them every two hours as advised by animal health experts.The babies are being given milk every two hours, along with apple and banana fluids and boiled potatoes at regular intervals, according to a dietary chart prepared by experts.The orangutans have also been provided soft toys and swings and are made to listen to music to help keep them stress-free, officials said.Rescue and wildlife smuggling probeThe five baby orangutans were rescued from Bichitrapur forest in Bhograi block of Balasore district on September 8 and brought to the quarantine facility at Nandankanan Zoo the same night.Meanwhile, the Odisha Police's Special Task Force (STF) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) have intensified their investigation into the alleged international wildlife smuggling involved in the case.(With PTI inputs)You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhubaneswar | Silver Rate in Bhubaneswar | Bank Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Public Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Petrol Price in Bhubaneswar | Diesel Price in Bhubaneswar | CNG Price in Bhubaneswar | LPG Price in BhubaneswarStay updated with the latest Bhubaneswar news. Download the TOI App.