
"When we started, we were almost unconvinced with our own idea. However, we decided to do our best."[caption id="attachment_77417" align="aligncenter" width="688"]


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As nursing orphan animals through bottles creates a dependency on human foster parents, the protocol mandated that amount of food provided to the cubs was reduced gradually. This was done to compel the cubs to interact with prey species for hunting and reduced their dependence on keepers. Finally, after one year, the cubs were radio-collared and released in the forest. After that, locals reported sightings of a spotted cat with a collar but Dr Choudhary wanted to know for sure if the rehabilitated cubs had survived. A year later, after a long wait, installed camera traps finally captured images of a collared clouded leopard. As the collars are meant to fall of after a year, there were no further sightings but Dr Choudhary remains hopeful about their continued survival. He says," If they made if for a year, they could make it for the rest of their lives. I hope they are alive."Interestingly, Runa and Kata's entire journey had been filmed by wildlife photographer Sandesh Kadur for what would end up becoming a National Geographic documentary!
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Ever since, Dr Bhaskar Choudhary has been working tirelessly to help orphan and injured animals return to the forest and survive independently. The IFAW Wildlife Rescue Center, where he is the lead vet, cares for a wide range of species, including orphan elephant and rhino calves, wild buffaloes, tigers, leopards, deer, and birds. [caption id="attachment_77419" align="aligncenter" width="960"]


"While it was a proud moment for the team, what made me most happy was the fact that these little girls, who had been displaced from their natural habitat, were finally back where they belonged. Later, when we got the news that one of 'our' girls had become a mother, we were beside ourselves. Nothing can beat that incredible rush of joy and pride you feel when you see an animal you have rescued coming into their own. Also, this was literally history in the making – first rehabilitated rhino gives birth in the wild in India! So, I was doubly delighted."
Also Read: Wildlife Rescuers Work Overtime to Save 107 Animals, Including Rhinos, From Assam Flood Waters
Another innovative effort by the IFAW-WRC that deserves a mention is the rehabilitation of elephants who had been separated from their mothers soon after birth. Missing maternal warmth and affection, they struggled to sleep on the cold concrete floor of their rescue centre in north-eastern India (Small elephants have a hard time regulating their own body temperature). A WRC veterinarian, Dr. Panjit Basumantary, came up with an innovative solution - he fitted them with pajamas and socks for better sleeping at night! Keepers quickly saw improvements in their condition — they were warmer and more content in the mornings. [caption id="attachment_77415" align="aligncenter" width="952"]

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Over 16 years, Dr Choudhary and his team of WRC vets have worked with over a thousand animals. The astute wildlife vet currently heads all activities in the region, including facilitation of emergency relief for wild animals in distress, implementation of rehabilitation of hand-raised animals and post-release monitoring. He is also responsible for connecting with government and non-government agencies to work towards Wildlife Trust of India's mission to conserve northeast India's fragile ecosystems. Dr Choudhary also supervises the care for animals under WTI's five Mobile Veterinary Service (MVS) teams. The primary objective of an MVS unit is to minimise the crucial time gap between detection of an affected animal and subsequent veterinary aid. In addition to providing on-field medical assistance, the MVS assumes the responsibility of relocating affected animals to nearest rescue centres or field stations, as the need may arise. [caption id="attachment_77427" align="aligncenter" width="450"]
"Every year the locals of the fringe villages give their all in trying to rescue distressed wildlife, even while their own homes may be submerged. Such dedication and passion in protecting the natural heritage of the park is extremely touching", says Dr Choudhury, appreciating the efforts of the local villagers who give timely information to IFAW-WRC.Asked how other people can help them in their efforts to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife, Dr Choudhary says that the most important thing one can do is raise awareness about vulnerable species and what is being done to save them. Not only does it encourage people to volunteer for wildlife conservation, it also brings in much-needed funds that can help them get better equipment to rescue, rehabilitate and track the release of injured and orphan animals.
"It is my mission to ensure that rescued animals are rehabilitated in a way that they live a life that will keep them forever wild. And this is possible only due to the people who support our work at IFAW-WRC. So, I believe that awareness is of crucial importance", explains Dr Choudhary.A simple, unassuming man who enjoys music, photography and bird watching, Dr Bhaskar Choudhary was honoured with a national award by the Association of Indian Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians. He is now working to enable the placement of trained and equipped wildlife veterinarians in major protected areas across the country to ensure round-the-clock medical attention to displaced and distressed wild animals in need. The hardworking and determined vet ends by saying,
"I truly feel blessed to have been part of such ventures for the past decade. They have allowed me to experience life in such miraculous and invaluable ways. To see rescued animals back in the wild is worth every sleepless night spent worrying about them, every single drop of sweat spent trying to rescue them."Contact Details:
Dr Bhaskar Choudhary's email address is bhaskar@wti.org.in (mobile number is +91-9435748840)
You can also support WTI's work to rescue and protect wild animals by visiting wti.org.in.
Also Read: Guardians of Gir: This All-Female Wildlife Rescue Team Is Unlike Any in the World
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Also Read: Guardians of Gir: This All-Female Wildlife Rescue Team Is Unlike Any in the World