Kaziranga, Assam, August 28, 2026: Assam’s Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC), located in Panbari near Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, marks 25 years since its founding as India’s first dedicated facility to hand-raise, treat, and release orphaned and injured wild animals, subsequently returning them to the wild. Established on August 28, 2002, the centre has grown into a cornerstone of science-led wildlife conservation.

Team during the inauguration of CWRC on 28th August 2002

CWRC is jointly run by the Assam Forest Department and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Since its inception, CWRC and its allied MVS units have responded to over 10,000 wildlife rescue cases, and nearly 68% have been successfully treated and released back into the wild.

Alongside two Mobile Veterinary Service (MVS) units, CWRC’s reach extends across both Eastern and Western Assam, delivering emergency veterinary care, hand-raising orphaned animals when required, and preparing fit individuals for release through scientifically established protocols.

A one-horned rhino rescued from Haldibari in 2009. Since then, the centre has rehabilitated more than 25 rhinos back into the wild.

Flood rescue is also a key part of CWRC’s work. Its teams work alongside the Assam Forest Department to rescue animals stranded, injured or displaced during floods, provide veterinary care, and reunite young animals with their mothers wherever possible.

Beyond emergency response, CWRC also works closely with communities, conducting outreach to reduce human-animal conflict and strengthen community-led conservation efforts.

Over the past 25 years, CWRC’s work has translated into landmark conservation achievements. Since 2006, CWRC has played a pivotal role in reintroducing rhinos to Manas National Park through the rehabilitation of rescued individuals. Other notable rescue and rehabilitation efforts include the rehabilitation of Asiatic black bear cubs in Manas and Dihing Patkai National Park, rehabilitation of rescued wild buffalo in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Laokhowa and Burachapori WLS, as well as rehabilitation of rescued hoolock gibbons and numerous other key wildlife in the region.

The centre has now not only helped rescue and release wildlife but also serves as a training facility for wildlife rescue veterinarians, biologists and conservation practitioners.

After about 25^th year of service, the CWRC is all set to transform itself as one of the finest institutes and Centres of Excellence in the field of Wildlife Rescue and rehabilitation in India.

Dr. C Ramesh, IFS, Kaziranga Field Director, said, “As CWRC enters 25 years, its contribution to the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of Assam’s wildlife, especially in responding swiftly to animals in distress, has been truly invaluable. Over the years, CWRC has not only saved countless wild animals but has also deepened our understanding and strengthened our capacity to manage human-wildlife interactions across the state. This journey reflects the foresight of its founders, the unwavering dedication of its field and veterinary teams, and the sustained commitment of the Assam Forest Department and its partners. The 25th year, therefore, is not just a milestone — it is a celebration of a conservation institution that has become an inseparable part of Assam’s wildlife story.”

Rathin Barman, Joint Director, WTI, said, “25 years of CWRC represents a remarkable journey of compassion, science and partnership. From responding to wildlife emergencies to giving thousands of wild animals a second chance to return to the wild, CWRC has shown what is possible when conservation organisations and governments work together. As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment remains to protect wildlife, support communities and ensure that every rescued animal has the best possible chance to return to its natural home.”

Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury, CWRC Centre Manager and the lead veterinarian, WTI, said, “It is a great honour to be part of CWRC’s unique wildlife conservation journey. From our first wildlife rescue to today, it has been a 25-year learning curve, rooted in compassion, robust science and community participation. I sincerely thank the Assam Forest Department, Central Zoo Authority, MoEFCC, College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati, and all the communities who have supported us throughout this journey.”