Baby orangutans in India expose illegal wildlife trade as experts question a billionaire's zoo
Summary
Five baby orangutans found in eastern India have exposed a growing illegal wildlife trade and raised fresh questions about imports of exotic animals. The case has also intensified scrutiny of Vantara, the wildlife facility run by Mukesh Ambani’s family, over its animal acquisitions and care practices.
Key Points
- Five baby orangutans were found in Odisha, far from their native habitats in Borneo and Sumatra, pointing to illicit trafficking into India.
- Experts say India has become a major destination for live primate trade, driven by wealthy collectors and loopholes in wildlife laws.
- Questions have emerged over Vantara, the private wildlife facility run by Mukesh Ambani’s family, after it handled an orangutan later returned to Indonesia.
- Indonesia is pushing to repatriate the five orangutans and is investigating reports that a rare Tapanuli orangutan may be in India.
