Orangutans in Odisha: What law says on trade, repatriation of animals

The article discusses the rescue of five baby orangutans in Odisha, highlighting India's growing demand for exotic pets and its role in international wildlife trade. It details the regulations governing such trade, primarily through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which India is a party. The article explains CITES's three appendices, with orangutans listed under Appendix-I, restricting their trade. It also covers India's Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022 to align with CITES), and the complexities of repatriating confiscated animals. Challenges include establishing the country of origin, legal tangles, and ensuring animal welfare. The piece also touches upon the risks of zoonotic diseases and the 2021 voluntary disclosure scheme for exotic animals in India.