Thane Forest Division Seizes Orangutan, Set to be Repatriated to Indonesia

A prized orangutan, estimated to be three years old, has been seized by forest officials in Thane. This marked a significant operation in November 2024. The animal, set to be repatriated to Indonesia, is expected to be returned to its native habitat in the coming weeks.

This comes after collaboration between Indian and Indonesian authorities on the transfer.

The orangutan, currently housed in the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar district of Gujarat, was seized by the Thane forest division along with nine other wildlife species suspected to be part of a consignment of illegally trafficked animals.

Relevant permits and approvals have been issued. With a few formalities pending on the Indonesian side, paving the way for the repatriation in the coming days.

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Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia have confirmed that the repatriation process is nearing completion.

Following a Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee, the primate was initially sent to the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park, Nagpur, before being transferred to the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in March 2025.

Justice Deepak Verma, the head of the committee, has stated that necessary permission is being given, and the animal is expected to return to Indonesia in the near future, with both Indian and Indonesian agencies working closely together to ensure a smooth transfer.

Indonesia and India have strengthened their collaboration in preparing the orangutan's return, with the Indian side providing necessary permits and approvals. The Indonesian government is nearing completion of the required import and entry documentation, working closely with relevant ministries and agencies.

The two countries are maintaining close coordination on transfer arrangements. This ensures all necessary requirements are met to guarantee the animal's safe passage and proper care upon arrival. This joint effort has been helped by Ristianto Pribadi.

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Director of the Bureau of Public Relations and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia.

The successful collaboration between Indian and Indonesian authorities has ensured a smooth transfer. With the animal's safety and well-being being the top priority.

Indian and Indonesian authorities have been working closely together to ensure the successful repatriation of the orangutan. With the Indian side providing necessary permits and approvals.