Two-Month Old Orphaned Rhino Rescued in Kaziranga

The rescued rhino calf being cared for at CWRC

Kaziranga, Assam, February 2, 2008: A male rhino calf about 2 months old was rescued by the Gorakati Assam Forest Department patrolling staff and the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) on the Thursday, January 31.

The abandoned calf was found by the patrolling staff at the Garakati camp area under the park's Bagori Range.

On being informed, Dr Anjan Talukdar, a veterinarian with CBRC rushed to the spot to find the calf. The patrolling staff had wrapped the calf in gunny bags and placed it near a fire to protect it from the severe cold.

"The calf's temperature had fallen to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It was also suffering from Hypoglycemia (reduced glucose level) and moderate dehydration," said Dr Talukdar. The calf was stabilised on the spot with steroids and fluids before being taken to the centre.

The whereabouts of the calf's mother and the cause of separation are not yet known.

"The calf's condition is stable but it is not completely out of danger because it is very young and may be susceptible to various kinds of infections," added Dr Talukdar.

CWRC is a joint initiative of Assam Forest Department, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and its international partner, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Photo: Dr.Anjan Talukdar / WTI