A baby orangutan of Sumatran origin, rescued in India in 2024, was repatriated to Indonesia on Monday (October 19, 2026) following coordinated efforts by wildlife authorities and CITES Management Authorities of both countries, the Indian Embassy said.
The orangutan was repatriated from Gujarat and arrived at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, where officials from the Consulate General of India attended a reception organised by Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry.
The Indian Embassy is also facilitating a visit by Indonesian wildlife experts from the country’s Ministry of Forestry to India in November this year to assist with the process.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Management Authorities of India and Indonesia coordinated its repatriation in accordance with applicable requirements and protocols, according to a statement issued by the Indian mission in Jakarta. As a special gesture, the Indian government waived recovery of all costs incurred for the orangutan’s care and maintenance before its repatriation, it said. The successful repatriation reflects the close bilateral ties between India and Indonesia and their shared commitment to protecting endangered species, the Indian mission said.
