Guwahati, April 29: The Vultures Conservation and Breeding Centre (VCBC), Rani, Kamrup, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), has successfully released 15 Himalayan Griffon Vultures back into the wild in Kamrup on Monday, April 29.

According to Assistant Director of BNHS and in-charge of VCBC, Sachin Ranade, the vultures were rescued in March and April this year from the Loharghat area under Kamrup District in Assam, after being found injured due to poisoning. Before being released, the birds received meticulous care and rehabilitation at the VCBC in Belguri, near Rani, Kamrup district.

Prior to their release, the Himalayan Griffon vultures were closely monitored and acclimated by a team of experts. As migratory birds, they are expected to begin their homeward journey in the coming days.

It’s worth noting that Himalayan vultures migrate to Assam and other areas from the Himalayan region during winter and typically return to their native habitats from April to May every year.

Before their release, the vital signs of each vulture were carefully assessed by veterinary professionals at the VCBC. Transferring the rehabilitated vultures from their holding aviaries to the release site was carried out precisely using transportation boxes. It was overseen by a team comprising veterinarians, biologists, and representatives from the forest department.

The release ceremony was attended by Dimpi Bora, DFO, Kamrup West Forest Division, and the Range Forest Officers of Kulsi and Loharghat Forest Ranges, Dipan Deka and Shamim Akhtar, respectively.

The successful rehabilitation and release of these majestic birds has filled many with a sense of hope and joy, as it marks a significant step forward in the conservation efforts for these magnificent creatures. Many have taken to social media to express their delight and gratitude to the teams involved in the rehabilitation process, praising their tireless efforts in giving these birds a second chance at life.

In recent days, Assam has witnessed a spate of suspicious deaths among vultures, with many birds found dead or dying in the wild. The main culprit behind these mysterious deaths is believed to be poisoning, with the birds ingesting carcasses of animals that have been treated with diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to treat livestock.

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