Rhesus macaque injured in vehicle collision released back into the wild after two months of care
Keonjhar, 22nd June, 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 specialised care unit under MVS Keonjhar.
Female rhesus macaque under treatment at MVS Odisha Field Station | Photo © 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 the 1st of May, post which, it became recumbent and was put under close observation”, added Dr. Yadav. The following week, the macaque showed signs of improvement and progressively regained body weight. After about two months of care and monitoring, the animal was released on the 11th of June, near Badghaghra, close to the site of rescue.
The rhesus macaque during recovery at the MVS Keonjhar field station | Photo © Dr. Brajraj Yadav/WTI
“Thanks to the continued support of the Odisha forest department and the locals, we were 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 centres are based in Similipal and Keonjhar.
