Every year Kaziranga National Park India floods: Each time Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation arrives to rescue wildlife in 23 years 9,500 animals, 63% released back to the wild

Every year, Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, floods. Each time, the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) arrives on the scene to rescue animals in peril. 

A rhino calf swept away by flooding. Photo: Amitabha Choudhury

Since its founding in 2002, the Centre has taken in more than 9,500 animals—63% of which have been released back to the wild. This astounding success rate is thanks to the joint support of IFAW, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and the Assam Forest Department.  

It’s the first rescue and rehabilitation center of its kind in the country, and its dedicated veterinarians, keepers, and volunteers have helped more 357 different species, including rhinos, elephants, clouded leopards, hog deer, and otters—but the Centre’s work doesn’t end at rescue. 

Duli and Atsu the Asiatic black bear cubs rehabilitating at Wildlife Trust of India’s CWRC. Photo: © Donal Boyd

Animal rescue helps entire species—not just individual animals 

Elephant rides with very many tourists on the back of the elephants. Elephants have a weak back. 

https://www.ifaw.org/journal/habitat-restoration-crucial-wildlife-rescue

Animal rescue is an important but often underappreciated element of wildlife conservation. Large-scale traditional conservation campaigns—like those advocating policy changes to protect endangered species and promote sustainable practices—make waves from a distance. But it’s a mistake to overlook the lasting ripples that rescuing individual animals can achieve.