Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: The Assam Forest Department has reportedly severed ties with the Uttar Pradesh-based NGO Wildlife SOS following the death of a 13-month-old elephant calf. The calf died within 24 hours of receiving treatment during an April health camp organized by the Doomdooma Forest Division.
This incident has drawn intense scrutiny from local conservationists who are demanding transparency regarding the healthcare standards used during such interventions. While no official order has been published, sources indicate the NGO has been removed from all elephant conservation projects across the state pending further review.
Separately, the Digboi Forest Division faces criticism over a stalled poaching investigation in the Lakhipathar Range. Authorities have failed to locate a poached elephant tusk despite arresting two suspects months ago. Conservationists argue that the missing ivory is a vital piece of evidence that could expose a larger regional trafficking network.
The current situation stands in stark contrast to a 2025 case in the same range. During that investigation, officials successfully recovered a 1.8 kg ivory tusk after a 19-day search, noting that "sustained intelligence gathering and follow-up investigation" were key to their success. Senior Forest Department officials have not responded to requests for comment regarding the disengagement of Wildlife SOS or the status of the ongoing ivory investigation.
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