Keonjhar, 22^nd July, 2026: A female rhesus macaque that was under care at Wildlife Trust of India’s Mobile Veterinary Service (MVS) unit, based in Keonjhar, Odisha was successfully released back into the wild, earlier this month. The macaque was involved in a vehicular collision near Anjar Ghati on the 25th of April, post which locals had transported the individual to the Keonjhar Government Hospital. The animal was promptly shifted to the specialized care unit under MVS Keonjhar.

Female rhesus macaque under treatment at MVS Odisha Field Station | Photograph by Dr. Brajraj Yadav/WTI

“Upon receiving information from the hospital in-charge, our Mobile Veterinary Service (MVS) team, along with the forest department staff, had immediately brought in the macaque to the MVS field station for detailed evaluation and treatment”, said Dr. Brajraj Yadav, the lead veterinarian of the centre. Right after admission, clinical diagnosis revealed signs of trauma, consistent with a vehicle collision. To assess the extent of internal injuries, radiographic examination (X-ray) was performed with the assistance of Dr. P. C. Ghadei. The radiographic findings also revealed that the macaque was pregnant. While no major skeletal fractures were detected, the animal was put under intensive monitoring and supportive care, considering the trauma history and its physiological condition.

“The intensive treatment lasted for about a week. However, despite the best of our efforts, the animal aborted the fetus on 1^st of May, post which, it became recumbent and was put under close observation”, added Dr. Yadav. The following week, the macaque showed signs of improvements and progressively regained body weight. After about two months of care and monitoring, the animal was released on the 11^th of June, near Badghaghra, close to the site of rescue.

the rhesus macaque during recovery at the MVS Keonjhar field station | Photograph by Dr. Brajraj Yadav/WTI

“Thanks to the continued support of the Odisha forest department and the locals, we able to save the female macaque”, exclaims Dr. Yadav. Immediately after release, she had climbed a nearby tree and remained perched among the branches, actively observing her surroundings. Her behaviour indicated good physical condition, alertness and successful adaptation to the release environment. WTI’s Vets on Wheels Project helps address the increasing cases of wildlife deaths and injuries amidst escalating human-wildlife conflict, in collaboration with the Odisha State Forest Department. The centers are based in Similipal and Keonjhar.