Shillong: Two orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs have been released into Dehing Patkai National Park after an extensive rehabilitation program. The bears, rescued from the Dissoi Reserved Forest in Jorhat during February 2024, were only a few weeks old when they were found.
After initial surveys failed to locate the mother, forest officials moved the cubs to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation in Kaziranga. Under the guidance of Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury and his team, the cubs received treatment for dehydration and underwent specialized care designed to prepare them for life in the wild.
The rehabilitation team followed protocols established by the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation in Arunachal Pradesh. Officials eventually ruled out the cubs' original forest habitat due to high human activity and potential for disturbance. After a scientific evaluation, they selected Dehing Patkai National Park for its abundant vegetation and minimal human interference.
The Assam Chief Wildlife Warden granted formal permission for the release on June 4, 2025. Following this approval, senior veterinarians Bhaskar Choudhury and Mehedi Hassan worked with forest staff to finalize the translocation. Regarding the effort, officials stated the project was aimed at "giving them a genuine chance to thrive in the wild." The success of this release marks a notable milestone for wildlife conservation efforts across the state.
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