Dibrugarh, Aug 20: In a major boost to Assam’s wildlife conservation efforts, two orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs were soft-released into Dehing Patkai National Park on Wednesday.
The cubs, discovered abandoned at just four and six weeks old by a local youth, were initially handed over to the Nakachari Beat Office under Jorhat Forest Division. With no trace of their mother, they were transferred to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga for specialised care.
“At CWRC, the cubs were treated for mild dehydration and hand-reared in the small mammal nursery under the supervision of Dr Bhaskar Choudhury and his team. They were reared on a canine milk replacer and gradually conditioned for life in the wild,” said Dr Sonali Ghosh, Director Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
She explained that the rehabilitation followed established protocols of the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) at Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh.
“Formal approval for release was granted on June 4, 2025, by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam. The successful translocation to Dehing Patkai gives these cubs a genuine chance to thrive in their natural habitat,” she said.
She said the journey of these Asiatic black bear cubs—from their rescue in Jorhat to their care at CWRC and finally to their release in Dehing Patkai—stands as a powerful example of what science-driven rehabilitation, ethical wildlife management, and community involvement can achieve.
“It reflects Assam’s growing commitment to protecting its wildlife heritage and ensuring that even orphaned animals are given a second chance at freedom” she added.
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