The Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) near Kaziranga celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a milestone of treating over 10,000 animals with a 68% successful release rate.

  • CWRC has treated over 10,000 rescued animals since its inception in 2002.
  • A remarkable 68% of rescued wildlife has been successfully returned to the wild.
  • The facility is a collaborative effort between the Assam Forest Department, WTI, and IFA.
  • It plays a critical role in flood rescue operations and species reintroduction.

The Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC), India’s pioneering facility dedicated to the hand-raising, treatment, and release of orphaned and injured animals, has officially entered its 25th year of operation. Located near the iconic Kaziranga National Park, the center has become a global benchmark for science-based wildlife rehabilitation.

Established on August 28, 2002, at Panbari, the CWRC is a joint initiative by the Assam Forest Department and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFA). It stands as the first dedicated institution in India to focus specifically on the delicate process of rehabilitating wildlife for reintroduction.

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A Legacy of Compassion and Science

Over the past two and a half decades, the CWRC and its mobile veterinary units have provided life-saving care to more than 10,000 animals. Most impressively, nearly 68% of these animals have been successfully rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitats. This includes critical species such as the one-horned rhino, Asiatic black bears, wild buffalo, and Hoolock gibbons.

The centre has not only saved countless wild animals but has also deepened our understanding and strengthened our capacity to manage human-wildlife interactions.

C. Ramesh, Kaziranga’s Field Director, emphasized that the center's contribution to the rescue and rehabilitation of Assam's wildlife has been invaluable, particularly for animals in distress during seasonal shifts and natural disasters.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the CWRC serves as a vital ecological buffer. In a region prone to heavy monsoon flooding, the center's ability to rescue displaced animals and reunite young ones with their mothers is essential for maintaining biodiversity. Furthermore, its role in the reintroduction of one-horned rhinos to Manas National Park demonstrates the profound impact of structured rehabilitation programs on regional conservation goals.

Beyond medical intervention, the CWRC focuses heavily on community outreach. By working with local populations to reduce human-animal conflict, the center ensures that the returned animals can coexist more peacefully with human settlements. Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury, CWRC’s Centre Manager, noted that the support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and local veterinary sciences has been foundational to this success.

Did You Know?: CWRC has played a pivotal role in the successful reintroduction of one-horned rhinos to the western regions of Assam.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes CWRC unique in India?
Answer: It is India's first dedicated facility specifically designed to hand-raise, treat, and release orphaned or injured wildlife back into the wild.

2. How does CWRC help during floods?
Answer: The center deploys mobile veterinary units and teams to rescue animals stranded or injured by floods, providing immediate care and reunification efforts.