Kaziranga Wildlife Rescue Centre Celebrates 25 Years of Rehabilitation

As of September 1, 2026, the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) near Kaziranga in Assam has rescued more than 10,000 animals since it opened in 2002. The facility maintains a rehabilitation success rate of nearly 68%, allowing a majority of these animals to return to their natural habitats. Over the years, the center has become a mainstay for wildlife rescue in the region, particularly during the annual floods. This milestone marks a sustained effort to provide care for injured and orphaned wildlife in the area.

Since its founding on August 28, 2002, CWRC has focused on the needs of displaced and injured animals. The facility has grown to handle a diverse range of species, including rhino calves, Asiatic black bear cubs, hoolock gibbons, and wild buffalo. Treatment goes beyond immediate veterinary needs; staff work to prepare each animal for life back in the wild. This preparation helps them recover the natural behaviors and survival skills necessary for successful reintegration into their original environments.

The recurring floods in Assam make the center's role especially critical. These seasonal waters often leave animals stranded or separate young offspring from their mothers, requiring swift intervention. In collaboration with the Assam Forest Department, the center locates animals in distress to provide emergency medical attention. When young animals are found alone, the priority is to reunite them with their mothers. If reunification cannot be achieved, the animals are raised by professional staff until they are ready for release.

The impact of CWRC extends into broader conservation initiatives throughout Assam. The center has supported rhino reintroduction efforts in Manas National Park and managed rehabilitation programs in protected landscapes such as Dibru-Saikhowa and Dihing Patkai. These projects emphasize that successful rehabilitation requires more than medical care; it involves restoring the instincts and abilities that ensure an animal can survive on its own.

After nearly 25 years, the center’s record reflects the increasing importance of scientific rehabilitation in wildlife conservation. The work is built on the cooperation between trained professionals and forest authorities. For animals caught in floods or left orphaned, CWRC serves as a vital connection back to the wild. As the center moves forward, its role in protecting the wildlife of Assam remains a central part of the region's conservation landscape.