RI orangutans found in Malaysia

RI orangutans found in Malaysia

MALAYSIA: Seven endangered orangutans smuggled from Indonesia have been found at two animal parks in Malaysia, a news report said Saturday.

Malaysian wildlife officials seized the primates and DNA tests showed they were of the "critically endangered" Sumatran subspecies, the New Straits Times reported.

"We will be taking action, including sending them back to Indonesia," Wildlife and National Parks Department official Misliah Mohamed Basir was quoted as saying.

The seven orangutans were tested after officials discovered the owners of the two private parks had no documentation for them, she said, adding that legal action will be taken.

It was the first time DNA testing was used in Malaysia to determine wildlife species, the report said. -- AP