Siliguri, 7 October 2026: Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the Baikanthapur Forest Division and the Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA), celebrated Wildlife Week 2026 on 7th October at the Nature Interpretation Centre, Bengal Safari, in Siliguri.

The programme was organised as part of WTI’s ‘Gaj Utsav’ campaign and focused on recognising the efforts of frontline personnel and local community members who played a crucial role in the successful rescue of an elephant calf from the Teesta River on 21 September 2026.

A total of 24 individuals, including Forest Department personnel, local fishers and the Teesta Barrage gateman, were felicitated with the Gaja Mitra Award in recognition of their timely intervention, courage and contribution to the successful rescue operation.

The programme commenced with the welcome address by Shri Mudit Kumar, DFO, Baikanthapur Forest Division. Mr. E. Vijay Kumar, Director, Bengal Safari, attended the programme as a special guest. Representing the Nature and Wildlife Association, Mr. Anujit Basu, Secretary, NWA, was also present.

Teesta Elephant Calf Rescue Team Honoured with Gaja Mitra Award during Wildlife Week celebrations

Speaking on the occasion, the Director of Bengal Safari highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among different stakeholders, noting that successful wildlife conservation and rescue operations often result from effective collaboration among the Forest Department, local communities, frontline personnel, and conservation organisations.

The felicitation ceremony recognised the vital role played by the five fishers, Forest Department staff and other frontline personnel during the Teesta River rescue. The Gaja Mitra Awards were presented as a gesture of appreciation for their contribution to wildlife conservation and their willingness to act during a critical situation.

Mr. Bablu Das, one of the fishers who was felicitated, said, “We are very happy that the baby elephant was rescued. Just like us human beings, this little one was also searching for its mother, and we felt it was our duty to help save its life and give it a chance to be reunited with her. We are extremely happy and proud that WTI has felicitated us for our efforts. The appreciation and encouragement we have received from everyone mean a lot.”

The programme also included an interactive session on Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC) conducted by the Nature and Wildlife Association. The session focused on understanding elephant behaviour, reducing conflict situations, the importance of community participation and the role of local stakeholders in promoting human–elephant coexistence.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Anujit Basu, Secretary, NWA, who expressed gratitude to the Baikanthapur Forest Division, Bengal Safari, Wildlife Trust of India, the awardees, local community members and all other stakeholders for their support and participation in the Wildlife Week celebration.

This rescue effort exemplifies the power of collective and coordinated action

Ms. Saymanti B., Manager and Head, Natural Heritage Campaigns, WTI, said, “This rescue is a powerful reminder that conservation often depends on decisions made in a matter of moments. The boatmen’s swift response, the Forest Department’s and frontline teams’ coordination, and their collective adherence to the rescue protocol ensured the calf was safely rescued and reunited with its family. Such successful outcomes are rare and are made possible when communities and departments come together with a shared purpose. Through Gaj Utsav, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) seeks to bring people and institutions together to celebrate elephants and strengthen the collective action needed for their long-term conservation and coexistence. We are therefore delighted to felicitate the individuals whose alertness, courage and timely action made this rescue possible.

The programme served not only as a celebration of Wildlife Week but also as a reminder that successful wildlife conservation depends on coordinated action, community participation and the commitment of frontline individuals who work closely with wildlife and local communities.