In the throbbing heart of Kaziranga, a turbulent beauty with skylines of canted rust, lush valleys and miasmal grasslands, all one philosopher can think of is constipation.

Panjit Basumatary does not look like a philosopher, a lad in fine fettle with blue scrubs on and a stethoscope slithering around his neck, but he surely turns into one when it comes to talking about bowel movements.

In the throbbing heart of Kaziranga, a turbulent beauty with skylines of canted rust, lush valleys and miasmal grasslands, all one philosopher can think of is constipation.

Panjit Basumatary does not look like a philosopher, a lad in fine fettle with blue scrubs on and a stethoscope slithering around his neck, but he surely turns into one when it comes to talking about bowel movements.

In the throbbing heart of Kaziranga, a turbulent beauty with skylines of canted rust, lush valleys and miasmal grasslands, all one philosopher can think of is constipation.

Panjit Basumatary does not look like a philosopher, a lad in fine fettle with blue scrubs on and a stethoscope slithering around his neck, but he surely turns into one when it comes to talking about bowel movements.

In the throbbing heart of Kaziranga, a turbulent beauty with skylines of canted rust, lush valleys and miasmal grasslands, all one philosopher can think of is constipation.

Panjit Basumatary does not look like a philosopher, a lad in fine fettle with blue scrubs on and a stethoscope slithering around his neck, but he surely turns into one when it comes to talking about bowel movements.

In the throbbing heart of Kaziranga, a turbulent beauty with skylines of canted rust, lush valleys and miasmal grasslands, all one philosopher can think of is constipation.

Panjit Basumatary does not look like a philosopher, a lad in fine fettle with blue scrubs on and a stethoscope slithering around his neck, but he surely turns into one when it comes to talking about bowel movements.

Basumatary, with a boyish face and a chubby mole that marks his right eyebrow, is the 36-year old chief veterinarian at the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam.

Basumatary, with a boyish face and a chubby mole that marks his right eyebrow, is the 36-year old chief veterinarian at the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam.

Basumatary, with a boyish face and a chubby mole that marks his right eyebrow, is the 36-year old chief veterinarian at the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam.

Basumatary, with a boyish face and a chubby mole that marks his right eyebrow, is the 36-year old chief veterinarian at the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam.

Basumatary, with a boyish face and a chubby mole that marks his right eyebrow, is the 36-year old chief veterinarian at the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam.

He oversees the care of seven rescued one-horned rhinos– four males and three females – all between the ages of ten months to two and a half years. Some were salvaged from the seasonal deluge in Kaziranga, others found orphaned by poaching.

Today, he mulls over their potty issues.

“When you rescue babies from the wild, some may not defecate for 10 to 15 days,” he explains. “In the absence of the mother, they are extremely distressed, have weakened immune systems and are hard to stimulate.”

He oversees the care of seven rescued one-horned rhinos– four males and three females – all between the ages of ten months to two and a half years. Some were salvaged from the seasonal deluge in Kaziranga, others found orphaned by poaching.

Today, he mulls over their potty issues.

“When you rescue babies from the wild, some may not defecate for 10 to 15 days,” he explains. “In the absence of the mother, they are extremely distressed, have weakened immune systems and are hard to stimulate.”

He oversees the care of seven rescued one-horned rhinos– four males and three females – all between the ages of ten months to two and a half years. Some were salvaged from the seasonal deluge in Kaziranga, others found orphaned by poaching.

Today, he mulls over their potty issues.

“When you rescue babies from the wild, some may not defecate for 10 to 15 days,” he explains. “In the absence of the mother, they are extremely distressed, have weakened immune systems and are hard to stimulate.”

He oversees the care of seven rescued one-horned rhinos– four males and three females – all between the ages of ten months to two and a half years. Some were salvaged from the seasonal deluge in Kaziranga, others found orphaned by poaching.

Today, he mulls over their potty issues.

“When you rescue babies from the wild, some may not defecate for 10 to 15 days,” he explains. “In the absence of the mother, they are extremely distressed, have weakened immune systems and are hard to stimulate.”

He oversees the care of seven rescued one-horned rhinos– four males and three females – all between the ages of ten months to two and a half years. Some were salvaged from the seasonal deluge in Kaziranga, others found orphaned by poaching.

Today, he mulls over their potty issues.

“When you rescue babies from the wild, some may not defecate for 10 to 15 days,” he explains. “In the absence of the mother, they are extremely distressed, have weakened immune systems and are hard to stimulate.”

Basumatary knows how daunting it is to step in for a parent
who has carried the child for sixteen arduous months.

Basumatary knows how daunting it is to step in for a parent
who has carried the child for sixteen arduous months.

Basumatary knows how daunting it is to step in for a parent
who has carried the child for sixteen arduous months.

Basumatary knows how daunting it is to step in for a parent who has carried the child for sixteen arduous months.

Basumatary knows how daunting it is to step in for a parent who has carried the child for sixteen arduousmonths.

A rhino mom can give birth to a single calf only every two to three years. She keeps in constant physical contact with the newborn till it is about three to four months old, and then nurses it solely on her milk till it is about nine months old. When the calf is around two to three years of age and can fend for itself, only then does the mother part ways.

Few would describe lizards with such vocable, but with its hypnotic gold eyes and vertically-slit pupils; a deceptive, puerile grin; and reptilian skin gleaming with clementine and white spots that change colour as camouflage, the gecko is one that deserves a flattering picture up on Facebook.

But instead, it featured in a shoddy image on the social site, clicked by a hurried photographer, pressed and suppressed on a wooden table with stubby human hands, and a ruler thrust right next to it.

A rhino mom can give birth to a single calf only every two to three years. She keeps in constant physical contact with the newborn till it is about three to four months old, and then nurses it solely on her milk till it is about nine months old. When the calf is around two to three years of age and can fend for itself, only then does the mother part ways.

A rhino mom can give birth to a single calf only every two to three years. She keeps in constant physical contact with the newborn till it is about three to four months old, and then nurses it solely on her milk till it is about nine months old. When the calf is around two to three years of age and can fend for itself, only then does the mother part ways.

A rhino mom can give birth to a single calf only every two to three years. She keeps in constant physical contact with the newborn till it is about three to four months old, and then nurses it solely on her milk till it is about nine months old. When the calf is around two to three years of age and can fend for itself, only then does the mother part ways.

When it comes to toilet training, the infant poops where the mother poops. A prisoner of habits, most rhino moms  idiosyncratically approach their dung heaps day after day. The calves follow suit.

To help the orphans rescued at CWRC, Basumatary and his team have dug out shallow muddy water trenches in the rhino shelters, where the babies can ease up and wallow, the water coaxing their lower abdomen and anogenital area.

Hopefully, they’ll poo. Otherwise, it’s time for one-on-one intensive care.

“We keep a constant watch on them, monitoring their health, hygiene and nutritional requirements,” Basumatary says. “We run enrichment programmes and nurse them round the clock within our confinements.”

It is around three in the afternoon, and with a slight breeze bristling the hairs on our necks, the vet and I watch the kids come out for their feeding session.

When it comes to toilet training, the infant poops where the mother poops. A prisoner of habits, most rhino moms  idiosyncratically approach their dung heaps day after day. The calves follow suit.

To help the orphans rescued at CWRC, Basumatary and his team have dug out shallow muddy water trenches in the rhino shelters, where the babies can ease up and wallow, the water coaxing their lower abdomen and anogenital area.

Hopefully, they’ll poo. Otherwise, it’s time for one-on-one intensive care.

“We keep a constant watch on them, monitoring their health, hygiene and nutritional requirements,” Basumatary says. “We run enrichment programmes and nurse them round the clock within our confinements.”

It is around three in the afternoon, and with a slight breeze bristling the hairs on our necks, the vet and I watch the kids come out for their feeding session.

When it comes to toilet training, the infant poops where the mother poops. A prisoner of habits, most rhino moms  idiosyncratically approach their dung heaps day after day. The calves follow suit.

To help the orphans rescued at CWRC, Basumatary and his team have dug out shallow muddy water trenches in the rhino shelters, where the babies can ease up and wallow, the water coaxing their lower abdomen and anogenital area.

Hopefully, they’ll poo. Otherwise, it’s time for one-on-one intensive care.

“We keep a constant watch on them, monitoring their health, hygiene and nutritional requirements,” Basumatary says. “We run enrichment programmes and nurse them round the clock within our confinements.”

It is around three in the afternoon, and with a slight breeze bristling the hairs on our necks, the vet and I watch the kids come out for their feeding session.

When it comes to toilet training, the infant poops where the mother poops. A prisoner of habits, most rhino moms  idiosyncratically approach their dung heaps day after day. The calves follow suit.

To help the orphans rescued at CWRC, Basumatary and his team have dug out shallow muddy water trenches in the rhino shelters, where the babies can ease up and wallow, the water coaxing their lower abdomen and anogenital area.

Hopefully, they’ll poo. Otherwise, it’s time for one-on-one intensive care.

“We keep a constant watch on them, monitoring their health, hygiene and nutritional requirements,” Basumatary says. “We run enrichment programmes and nurse them round the clock within our confinements.”

It is around three in the afternoon, and with a slight breeze bristling the hairs on our necks, the vet and I watch the kids come out for their feeding session.

When it comes to toilet training, the infant poops where the mother poops. A prisoner of habits, most rhino moms  idiosyncratically approach their dung heaps day after day. The calves follow suit.

To help the orphans rescued at CWRC, Basumatary and his team have dug out shallow muddy water trenches in the rhino shelters, where the babies can ease up and wallow, the water coaxing their lower abdomen and anogenital area.

Hopefully, they’ll poo. Otherwise, it’s time for one-on-one intensive care.

“We keep a constant watch on them, monitoring their health, hygiene and nutritional requirements,” Basumatary says. “We run enrichment programmes and nurse them round the clock within our confinements.”

It is around three in the afternoon, and with a slight breeze bristling the hairs on our necks, the vet and I watch the kids come out for their feeding session.

The slightly grown babies, those more than a year-and-a-half old, shun the nippled bottles like embarrassed teenagers and demand to eat on their own from buckets full of fresh leaves and branches.

They all share a community latrine, choosing to socialize over their respective piles of feces.

Basumatary is careful to keep their human interaction to the minimum.

The slightly grown babies, those more than a year-and-a-half old, shun the nippled bottles like embarrassed teenagers and demand to eat on their own from buckets full of fresh leaves and branches.

They all share a community latrine, choosing to socialize over their respective piles of feces.

Basumatary is careful to keep their human interaction to the minimum.

The slightly grown babies, those more than a year-and-a-half old, shun the nippled bottles like embarrassed teenagers and demand to eat on their own from buckets full of fresh leaves and branches.

They all share a community latrine, choosing to socialize over their respective piles of feces.

Basumatary is careful to keep their human interaction to the minimum.

The slightly grown babies, those more than a year-and-a-half old, shun the nippled bottles like embarrassed teenagers and demand to eat on their own from buckets full of fresh leaves and branches.

They all share a community latrine, choosing to socialize over their respective piles of feces.

Basumatary is careful to keep their human interaction to the minimum.

The slightly grown babies, those more than a year-and-a-half old, shun the nippled bottles like embarrassed teenagers and demand to eat on their own from buckets full of fresh leaves and branches.

They all share a community latrine, choosing to socialize over their respective piles of feces.

Basumatary is careful to keep their human interaction to the minimum.

Typically, the animal keepers serve as foster mothers by staying with the calves, but since there are seven of them in the shelter, they can keep each other company.

The CWRC in Kaziranga is a 17-acre campus, founded in 2002 as a joint venture between the Assam Forest Department, and two non-profits, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and the Wildlife Trust of India.

“The collaboration has not only resulted in conservation success when it comes to hand-raising rhinos but caters to forest emergencies and the rehabilitation of a myriad of species,” says CWRC in-charge and WTI director, Dr. Rathin Barman.

Typically, the animal keepers serve as foster mothers by staying with the calves, but since there are seven of them in the shelter, they can keep each other company.

The CWRC in Kaziranga is a 17-acre campus, founded in 2002 as a joint venture between the Assam Forest Department, and two non-profits, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and the Wildlife Trust of India.

“The collaboration has not only resulted in conservation success when it comes to hand-raising rhinos but caters to forest emergencies and the rehabilitation of a myriad of species,” says CWRC in-charge and WTI director, Dr. Rathin Barman.

Typically, the animal keepers serve as foster mothers by staying with the calves, but since there are seven of them in the shelter, they can keep each other company.

The CWRC in Kaziranga is a 17-acre campus, founded in 2002 as a joint venture between the Assam Forest Department, and two non-profits, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and the Wildlife Trust of India.

“The collaboration has not only resulted in conservation success when it comes to hand-raising rhinos but caters to forest emergencies and the rehabilitation of a myriad of species,” says CWRC in-charge and WTI director, Dr. Rathin Barman.

Typically, the animal keepers serve as foster mothers by staying with the calves, but since there are seven of them in the shelter, they can keep each other company.

The CWRC in Kaziranga is a 17-acre campus, founded in 2002 as a joint venture between the Assam Forest Department, and two non-profits, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and the Wildlife Trust of India.

“The collaboration has not only resulted in conservation success when it comes to hand-raising rhinos but caters to forest emergencies and the rehabilitation of a myriad of species,” says CWRC in-charge and WTI director, Dr. Rathin Barman.

Typically, the animal keepers serve as foster mothers by staying with the calves, but since there are seven of them in the shelter, they can keep each other company.

The CWRC in Kaziranga is a 17-acre campus, founded in 2002 as a joint venture between the Assam Forest Department, and two non-profits, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and the Wildlife Trust of India.

“The collaboration has not only resulted in conservation success when it comes to hand-raising rhinos but caters to forest emergencies and the rehabilitation of a myriad of species,” says CWRC in-charge and WTI director, Dr. Rathin Barman.

Apart from the seven rhinos, CWRC is also home to ten elephants, four leopards, three lesser adjutant storks, one hoolock gibbon, and a hog badger that was recently found shivering by one of the forest guards next to Bahubeel anti-poaching camp. Basumatary tends to all of them.

The morning after the badger is brought in, he takes a cursory look at the sedated animal before prepping his operating table. “I can tell that there is some kind of skull hemorrhage that has happened,” he says.
“I need to collect more data.”

The hog badger is a rare patient at the CWRC. In his lifetime, the vet has only treated the species three times.

Basumatary and his assistant work fast and with gloved and needle precision, shifting their patient onto the table, administering oxygen laced with anesthesia, and then drawing blood samples and other tests from the half-conscious badger.

Apart from the seven rhinos, CWRC is also home to ten elephants, four leopards, three lesser adjutant storks, one hoolock gibbon, and a hog badger that was recently found shivering by one of the forest guards next to Bahubeel anti-poaching camp. Basumatary tends to all of them.

The morning after the badger is brought in, he takes a cursory look at the sedated animal before prepping his operating table. “I can tell that there is some kind of skull hemorrhage that has happened,” he says.
“I need to collect more data.”

The hog badger is a rare patient at the CWRC. In his lifetime, the vet has only treated the species three times.

Basumatary and his assistant work fast and with gloved and needle precision, shifting their patient onto the table, administering oxygen laced with anesthesia, and then drawing blood samples and other tests from the half-conscious badger.

Apart from the seven rhinos, CWRC is also home to ten elephants, four leopards, three lesser adjutant storks, one hoolock gibbon, and a hog badger that was recently found shivering by one of the forest guards next to Bahubeel anti-poaching camp. Basumatary tends to all of them.

The morning after the badger is brought in, he takes a cursory look at the sedated animal before prepping his operating table. “I can tell that there is some kind of skull hemorrhage that has happened,” he says.
“I need to collect more data.”

The hog badger is a rare patient at the CWRC. In his lifetime, the vet has only treated the species three times.

Basumatary and his assistant work fast and with gloved and needle precision, shifting their patient onto the table, administering oxygen laced with anesthesia, and then drawing blood samples and other tests from the half-conscious badger.

Apart from the seven rhinos, CWRC is also home to ten elephants, four leopards, three lesser adjutant storks, one hoolock gibbon, and a hog badger that was recently found shivering by one of the forest guards next to Bahubeel anti-poaching camp. Basumatary tends to all of them.

The morning after the badger is brought in, he takes a cursory look at the sedated animal before prepping his operating table. “I can tell that there is some kind of skull hemorrhage that has happened,” he says.
“I need to collect more data.”

The hog badger is a rare patient at the CWRC. In his lifetime, the vet has only treated the species three times.

Basumatary and his assistant work fast and with gloved and needle precision, shifting their patient onto the table, administering oxygen laced with anesthesia, and then drawing blood samples and other tests from the half-conscious badger.

Apart from the seven rhinos, CWRC is also home to ten elephants, four leopards, three lesser adjutant storks, one hoolock gibbon, and a hog badger that was recently found shivering by one of the forest guards next to Bahubeel anti-poaching camp. Basumatary tends to all of them.

The morning after the badger is brought in, he takes a cursory look at the sedated animal before prepping his operating table. “I can tell that there is some kind of skull hemorrhage that has happened,” he says.
“I need to collect more data.”

The hog badger is a rare patient at the CWRC. In his lifetime, the vet has only treated the species three times.

Basumatary and his assistant work fast and with gloved and needle precision, shifting their patient onto the table, administering oxygen laced with anesthesia, and then drawing blood samples and other tests from the half-conscious badger.

Once finished with preliminary drug treatment and a quick X-ray, he marks the vitals of the animal and schedules another surgery in a day or two.

When the wounded badger is back in his crate, groggy and wrapped snug in blankets, Basumatary breaks for a small cup of tea.

He talks of his love for football, and his father, who worked in the agricultural sector and coaxed him into his calling as a vet.

“It wasn’t my choice, it was his gentle suggestion,” he smiles. “But I knew I wanted to do something different from the other vets who were treating domestic animals. I wanted to work with species in the wild.”

Lifting the cup high above his mouth to catch the last drop of his beverage, he jerks his head in the direction of the veterinary kitchen.

“Come, it’s time for their milk.”

Once finished with preliminary drug treatment and a quick X-ray, he marks the vitals of the animal and schedules another surgery in a day or two.

When the wounded badger is back in his crate, groggy and wrapped snug in blankets, Basumatary breaks for a small cup of tea.

He talks of his love for football, and his father, who worked in the agricultural sector and coaxed him into his calling as a vet.

“It wasn’t my choice, it was his gentle suggestion,” he smiles. “But I knew I wanted to do something different from the other vets who were treating domestic animals. I wanted to work with species in the wild.”

Lifting the cup high above his mouth to catch the last drop of his beverage, he jerks his head in the direction of the veterinary kitchen.

“Come, it’s time for their milk.”

Once finished with preliminary drug treatment and a quick X-ray, he marks the vitals of the animal and schedules another surgery in a day or two.

When the wounded badger is back in his crate, groggy and wrapped snug in blankets, Basumatary breaks for a small cup of tea.

He talks of his love for football, and his father, who worked in the agricultural sector and coaxed him into his calling as a vet.

“It wasn’t my choice, it was his gentle suggestion,” he smiles. “But I knew I wanted to do something different from the other vets who were treating domestic animals. I wanted to work with species in the wild.”

Lifting the cup high above his mouth to catch the last drop of his beverage, he jerks his head in the direction of the veterinary kitchen.

“Come, it’s time for their milk.”

Once finished with preliminary drug treatment and a quick X-ray, he marks the vitals of the animal and schedules another surgery in a day or two.

When the wounded badger is back in his crate, groggy and wrapped snug in blankets, Basumatary breaks for a small cup of tea.

He talks of his love for football, and his father, who worked in the agricultural sector and coaxed him into his calling as a vet.

“It wasn’t my choice, it was his gentle suggestion,” he smiles. “But I knew I wanted to do something different from the other vets who were treating domestic animals. I wanted to work with species in the wild.”

Lifting the cup high above his mouth to catch the last drop of his beverage, he jerks his head in the direction of the veterinary kitchen.

“Come, it’s time for their milk.”

Once finished with preliminary drug treatment and a quick X-ray, he marks the vitals of the animal and schedules another surgery in a day or two.

When the wounded badger is back in his crate, groggy and wrapped snug in blankets, Basumatary breaks for a small cup of tea.

He talks of his love for football, and his father, who worked in the agricultural sector and coaxed him into his calling as a vet.

“It wasn’t my choice, it was his gentle suggestion,” he smiles. “But I knew I wanted to do something different from the other vets who were treating domestic animals. I wanted to work with species in the wild.”

Lifting the cup high above his mouth to catch the last drop of his beverage, he jerks his head in the direction of the veterinary kitchen.

“Come, it’s time for their milk.”

Substituting A Mother's Milk

Substituting A Mother's Milk

Substituting A Mother's Milk

Substituting A Mother's Milk

Substituting A Mother's Milk

After tedious rounds of trial and error, Basumatary has it down to a perfect science. To keep the rhino babies regular, the orphans need an apt substitute to their mother’s milk.

“It is a delicate balance of fat, lactose, and protein,” he says. “Rhino’s milk is lower in fat and protein than the milk of cows and cattle, but higher in lactose.”

Feeding them cow or buffalo milk, India’s most common consumable dairy, can induce diarrhea in the calves, often resulting in death.

After tedious rounds of trial and error, Basumatary has it down to a perfect science. To keep the rhino babies regular, the orphans need an apt substitute to their mother’s milk.

“It is a delicate balance of fat, lactose, and protein,” he says. “Rhino’s milk is lower in fat and protein than the milk of cows and cattle, but higher in lactose.”

Feeding them cow or buffalo milk, India’s most common consumable dairy, can induce diarrhea in the calves, often resulting in death.

After tedious rounds of trial and error, Basumatary has it down to a perfect science. To keep the rhino babies regular, the orphans need an apt substitute to their mother’s milk.

“It is a delicate balance of fat, lactose, and protein,” he says. “Rhino’s milk is lower in fat and protein than the milk of cows and cattle, but higher in lactose.”

Feeding them cow or buffalo milk, India’s most common consumable dairy, can induce diarrhea in the calves, often resulting in death.

After tedious rounds of trial and error, Basumatary has it down to a perfect science. To keep the rhino babies regular, the orphans need an apt substitute to their mother’s milk.

“It is a delicate balance of fat, lactose, and protein,” he says. “Rhino’s milk is lower in fat and protein than the milk of cows and cattle, but higher in lactose.”

Feeding them cow or buffalo milk, India’s most common consumable dairy, can induce diarrhea in the calves, often resulting in death.

After tedious rounds of trial and error, Basumatary has it down to a perfect science. To keep the rhino babies regular, the orphans need an apt substitute to their mother’s milk.

“It is a delicate balance of fat, lactose, and protein,” he says. “Rhino’s milk is lower in fat and protein than the milk of cows and cattle, but higher in lactose.”

Feeding them cow or buffalo milk, India’s most common consumable dairy, can induce diarrhea in the calves, often resulting in death.

What works for them is Nestle Lactogen 2, a human baby formula, that the keepers prepare in lukewarm water and feed through two-liter bottles
topped with long, rubber nipples.

What works for them is Nestle Lactogen 2, a human baby formula, that the keepers prepare in lukewarm water and feed through two-liter bottles topped with long, rubber nipples.

What works for them is Nestle Lactogen 2, a human baby formula, that the keepers prepare in lukewarm water and feed through two-liter bottles
topped with long, rubber nipples.

What works for them is Nestle Lactogen 2, a human baby formula, that the keepers prepare in lukewarm water and feed through two-liter bottles topped with long, rubber nipples.

What works for them is Nestle Lactogen 2, a human baby formula, that the keepers prepare in lukewarm water and feed through two-liter bottles topped with long, rubber nipples.

But unlike in the wild, rhinos at CWRC are weaned off milk sooner. When they are about six months, they start eating a mix of greens. By the time they are a year-and-half, they are off milk completely. All this is because baby formula is expensive.

Barman explains the economics of milk. A month-old rhino drinks six packets a day, each costing Rs. 280, amounting to about Rs. 50,000 per calf per month. Add medicines and housekeeping, and the bill rakes up to nearly Rs. 60,000 per calf per month.

IFAW, the center’s primary donor takes care of much of the expenses. The citizens of Assam have also never shied away from helping whenever CWRC is in need.

But unlike in the wild, rhinos at CWRC are weaned off milk sooner. When they are about six months, they start eating a mix of greens. By the time they are a year-and-half, they are off milk completely. All this is because baby formula is expensive.

Barman explains the economics of milk. A month-old rhino drinks six packets a day, each costing Rs. 280, amounting to about Rs. 50,000 per calf per month. Add medicines and housekeeping, and the bill rakes up to nearly Rs. 60,000 per calf per month.

IFAW, the center’s primary donor takes care of much of the expenses. The citizens of Assam have also never shied away from helping whenever CWRC is in need.

But unlike in the wild, rhinos at CWRC are weaned off milk sooner. When they are about six months, they start eating a mix of greens. By the time they are a year-and-half, they are off milk completely. All this is because baby formula is expensive.

Barman explains the economics of milk. A month-old rhino drinks six packets a day, each costing Rs. 280, amounting to about Rs. 50,000 per calf per month. Add medicines and housekeeping, and the bill rakes up to nearly Rs. 60,000 per calf per month.

IFAW, the center’s primary donor takes care of much of the expenses. The citizens of Assam have also never shied away from helping whenever CWRC is in need.

But unlike in the wild, rhinos at CWRC are weaned off milk sooner. When they are about six months, they start eating a mix of greens. By the time they are a year-and-half, they are off milk completely. All this is because baby formula is expensive.

Barman explains the economics of milk. A month-old rhino drinks six packets a day, each costing Rs. 280, amounting to about Rs. 50,000 per calf per month. Add medicines and housekeeping, and the bill rakes up to nearly Rs. 60,000 per calf per month.

IFAW, the center’s primary donor takes care of much of the expenses. The citizens of Assam have also never shied away from helping whenever CWRC is in need.

But unlike in the wild, rhinos at CWRC are weaned off milk sooner. When they are about six months, they start eating a mix of greens. By the time they are a year-and-half, they are off milk completely. All this is because baby formula is expensive.

Barman explains the economics of milk. A month-old rhino drinks six packets a day, each costing Rs. 280, amounting to about Rs. 50,000 per calf per month. Add medicines and housekeeping, and the bill rakes up to nearly Rs. 60,000 per calf per month.

IFAW, the center’s primary donor takes care of much of the expenses. The citizens of Assam have also never shied away from helping whenever CWRC is in need.

For example, post the floods of 2016, primary students from Nepali Khuti Banuwa School sacrificed their mid-day meals for a day to buy
milk packets for the calves.

For example, post the floods of 2016, primary students from Nepali Khuti Banuwa School sacrificed their mid-day meals for a day to buy
milk packets for the calves.

For example, post the floods of 2016, primary students from Nepali Khuti Banuwa School sacrificed their mid-day meals for a day to buy milk packets for the calves.

For example, post the floods of 2016, primary students from Nepali Khuti Banuwa School sacrificed their mid-day meals for a day to buy
milk packets for the calves.

For example, post the floods of 2016, primary students from Nepali Khuti Banuwa School sacrificed their mid-day meals for a day to buy
milk packets for the calves.

“It is a community-based conservation programme,” says Barman. “The people are our eyes and ears on the ground, they help us in search and rescue, and pitch in whenever and however needed. The rhino is the pride of Assam.”

“It is a community-based conservation programme,” says Barman. “The people are our eyes and ears on the ground, they help us in search and rescue, and pitch in whenever and however needed. The rhino is the pride of Assam.”

“It is a community-based conservation programme,” says Barman. “The people are our eyes and ears on the ground, they help us in search and rescue, and pitch in whenever and however needed. The rhino is the pride of Assam.”

“It is a community-based conservation programme,” says Barman. “The people are our eyes and ears on the ground, they help us in search and rescue, and pitch in whenever and however needed. The rhino is the pride of Assam.”

“It is a community-based conservation programme,” says Barman. “The people are our eyes and ears on the ground, they help us in search and rescue, and pitch in whenever and however needed. The rhino is the pride of Assam.”

Kaziranga, home to Assam’s state animal, is land created by the tempestuous son of lord Brahma. It simply cannot escape the fury of floods.

But floods are essential to the ecosystem, maintains divisional forest officer, Rohini Saikia. “They help with renewing Kaziranga’s vegetation and lakes,” he says.

When the waters of the river Brahmaputra rise like a serpent’s hood, the animals take to higher land, and when the waters recede, life resumes as normal.

But when the waters turn into tormented seas, there is devastation.

Kaziranga, home to Assam’s state animal, is land created by the tempestuous son of lord Brahma. It simply cannot escape the fury of floods.

But floods are essential to the ecosystem, maintains divisional forest officer, Rohini Saikia. “They help with renewing Kaziranga’s vegetation and lakes,” he says.

When the waters of the river Brahmaputra rise like a serpent’s hood, the animals take to higher land, and when the waters recede, life resumes as normal.

But when the waters turn into tormented seas, there is devastation.

Kaziranga, home to Assam’s state animal, is land created by the tempestuous son of lord Brahma. It simply cannot escape the fury of floods.

But floods are essential to the ecosystem, maintains divisional forest officer, Rohini Saikia. “They help with renewing Kaziranga’s vegetation and lakes,” he says.

When the waters of the river Brahmaputra rise like a serpent’s hood, the animals take to higher land, and when the waters recede, life resumes as normal.

But when the waters turn into tormented seas, there is devastation.

In the swallowing floods of 2017, around 361 animals – some 31 rhinos, 282 hog deer, a tiger and 16 sambar deer – drowned because they couldn’t access highlands in time.

Kaziranga, home to Assam’s state animal, is land created by the tempestuous son of lord Brahma. It simply cannot escape the fury of floods.

But floods are essential to the ecosystem, maintains divisional forest officer, Rohini Saikia. “They help with renewing Kaziranga’s vegetation and lakes,” he says.

When the waters of the river Brahmaputra rise like a serpent’s hood, the animals take to higher land, and when the waters recede, life resumes as normal.

But when the waters turn into tormented seas, there is devastation.

Kaziranga, home to Assam’s state animal, is land created by the tempestuous son of lord Brahma. It simply cannot escape the fury of floods.

But floods are essential to the ecosystem, maintains divisional forest officer, Rohini Saikia. “They help with renewing Kaziranga’s vegetation and lakes,” he says.

When the waters of the river Brahmaputra rise like a serpent’s hood, the animals take to higher land, and when the waters recede, life resumes as normal.

But when the waters turn into tormented seas, there is devastation.

In the swallowing floods of 2017, around 361 animals – some 31 rhinos, 282 hog deer, a tiger and 16 sambar deer – drowned because they couldn’t access highlands in time.

In the swallowing floods of 2017, around 361 animals – some 31 rhinos,
282 hog deer, a tiger and 16 sambar deer – drowned because they
couldn’t access highlands in time.

In the swallowing floods of 2017, around 361 animals – some 31 rhinos,
282 hog deer, a tiger and 16 sambar deer – drowned because they
couldn’t access highlands in time.

For example, post the floods of 2016, primary students from Nepali Khuti Banuwa School sacrificed their mid-day meals for a day to buy milk packets for the calves.

In the swallowing floods of 2017, around 361 animals – some 31 rhinos, 282 hog deer, a tiger and 16 sambar deer – drowned because they couldn’t access highlands in time.

For example, post the floods of 2016, primary students from Nepali Khuti Banuwa School sacrificed their mid-day meals for a day to buy milk packets for the calves.

So, in order to facilitate more elevated refuges for the animals, the state government is building 33 artificial highlands across the territory of Kaziranga. However, the move does not come without its share of controversy, as conservationists argue that the highlands are being constructed without any study on their long-term impacts on the park’s ecosystem. They demand that Kaziranga remains free from much human interference, and instead, the forest department facilitates the rhinos’ movement to the southern woodlands during flooding, where mining is currently prevalent.  

But ever more than nature’s fury, man’s avarice is the peril dancing on the fate of the rhino.

The eclipsing demand for rhino horn – made of keratin, the same element that forms our fingernails – as a cure in traditional Chinese medicine, or as a status symbol, has driven the animal to the brink of extinction. The horn has also found infamy as a high-end ‘party drug’ in nightclubs across Southeast Asia, a powder that you snort up your nose much like cocaine.

So, in order to facilitate more elevated refuges for the animals, the state government is building 33 artificial highlands across the territory of Kaziranga. However, the move does not come without its share of controversy, as conservationists argue that the highlands are being constructed without any study on their long-term impacts on the park’s ecosystem. They demand that Kaziranga remains free from much human interference, and instead, the forest department facilitates the rhinos’ movement to the southern woodlands during flooding, where mining is currently prevalent.  

But ever more than nature’s fury, man’s avarice is the peril dancing on the fate of the rhino.

The eclipsing demand for rhino horn – made of keratin, the same element that forms our fingernails – as a cure in traditional Chinese medicine, or as a status symbol, has driven the animal to the brink of extinction. The horn has also found infamy as a high-end ‘party drug’ in nightclubs across Southeast Asia, a powder that you snort up your nose much like cocaine.

So, in order to facilitate more elevated refuges for the animals, the state government is building 33 artificial highlands across the territory of Kaziranga. However, the move does not come without its share of controversy, as conservationists argue that the highlands are being constructed without any study on their long-term impacts on the park’s ecosystem. They demand that Kaziranga remains free from much human interference, and instead, the forest department facilitates the rhinos’ movement to the southern woodlands during flooding, where mining is currently prevalent.  

But ever more than nature’s fury, man’s avarice is the peril dancing on the fate of the rhino.

The eclipsing demand for rhino horn – made of keratin, the same element that forms our fingernails – as a cure in traditional Chinese medicine, or as a status symbol, has driven the animal to the brink of extinction. The horn has also found infamy as a high-end ‘party drug’ in nightclubs across Southeast Asia, a powder that you snort up your nose much like cocaine.

So, in order to facilitate more elevated refuges for the animals, the state government is building 33 artificial highlands across the territory of Kaziranga. However, the move does not come without its share of controversy, as conservationists argue that the highlands are being constructed without any study on their long-term impacts on the park’s ecosystem. They demand that Kaziranga remains free from much human interference, and instead, the forest department facilitates the rhinos’ movement to the southern woodlands during flooding, where mining is currently prevalent.  

But ever more than nature’s fury, man’s avarice is the peril dancing on the fate of the rhino.

The eclipsing demand for rhino horn – made of keratin, the same element that forms our fingernails – as a cure in traditional Chinese medicine, or as a status symbol, has driven the animal to the brink of extinction. The horn has also found infamy as a high-end ‘party drug’ in nightclubs across Southeast Asia, a powder that you snort up your nose much like cocaine.

So, in order to facilitate more elevated refuges for the animals, the state government is building 33 artificial highlands across the territory of Kaziranga. However, the move does not come without its share of controversy, as conservationists argue that the highlands are being constructed without any study on their long-term impacts on the park’s ecosystem. They demand that Kaziranga remains free from much human interference, and instead, the forest department facilitates the rhinos’ movement to the southern woodlands during flooding, where mining is currently prevalent.  

But ever more than nature’s fury, man’s avarice is the peril dancing on the fate of the rhino.

The eclipsing demand for rhino horn – made of keratin, the same element that forms our fingernails – as a cure in traditional Chinese medicine, or as a status symbol, has driven the animal to the brink of extinction. The horn has also found infamy as a high-end ‘party drug’ in nightclubs across Southeast Asia, a powder that you snort up your nose much like cocaine.

“Man’s greed is never satisfied,” says Basumatary.
“It has brought the giant down to its knees,
teetering for survival.”

“Man’s greed is never satisfied,” says Basumatary.
“It has brought the giant down to its knees,
teetering for survival.”

“Man’s greed is never satisfied,” says Basumatary. “It has brought the giant down to its knees, teetering for survival.”

“Man’s greed is never satisfied,” says Basumatary. “It has brought the giant down to its knees,
teetering for survival.”

“Man’s greed is never satisfied,” says Basumatary.
“It has brought the giant down to its knees,
teetering for survival.”

The Indian Rhinoceros unicornis, however, is seeing marginally better times in comparison to the other dwindling rhino species. Thanks to the heroic efforts of conservationists, forest guards and poo-obsessed doctors like Basumatary, the vulnerable beast has made an incredible comeback in the last century. Once down to only a few hundred individuals,  Kaziranga is now home to an estimated 2,413 brobdingnagian rhinos– world’s two-third one-horned rhinoceros population– as per 2018 estimates.

The Indian Rhinoceros unicornis, however, is seeing marginally better times in comparison to the other dwindling rhino species. Thanks to the heroic efforts of conservationists, forest guards and poo-obsessed doctors like Basumatary, the vulnerable beast has made an incredible comeback in the last century. Once down to only a few hundred individuals,  Kaziranga is now home to an estimated 2,413 brobdingnagian rhinos– world’s two-third one-horned rhinoceros population– as per 2018 estimates.

The Indian Rhinoceros unicornis, however, is seeing marginally better times in comparison to the other dwindling rhino species. Thanks to the heroic efforts of conservationists, forest guards and poo-obsessed doctors like Basumatary, the vulnerable beast has made an incredible comeback in the last century. Once down to only a few hundred individuals,  Kaziranga is now home to an estimated 2,413 brobdingnagian rhinos– world’s two-third one-horned rhinoceros population– as per 2018 estimates.

The Indian Rhinoceros unicornis, however, is seeing marginally better times in comparison to the other dwindling rhino species. Thanks to the heroic efforts of conservationists, forest guards and poo-obsessed doctors like Basumatary, the vulnerable beast has made an incredible comeback in the last century. Once down to only a few hundred individuals,  Kaziranga is now home to an estimated 2,413 brobdingnagian rhinos– world’s two-third one-horned rhinoceros population– as per 2018 estimates.

The Indian Rhinoceros unicornis, however, is seeing marginally better times in comparison to the other dwindling rhino species. Thanks to the heroic efforts of conservationists, forest guards and poo-obsessed doctors like Basumatary, the vulnerable beast has made an incredible comeback in the last century. Once down to only a few hundred individuals,  Kaziranga is now home to an estimated 2,413 brobdingnagian rhinos– world’s two-third one-horned rhinoceros population– as per 2018 estimates.

Despite an uptick of a dozen more individuals in the park than last year, blood still coats the grass blades in the reserve. 17 rhinos were killed in 2015, 18 murdered in 2016, and six slaughtered in 2017.

To understand the prevalence of poaching in Kaziranga, one has to comprehend its boundaries. Spanning a total of 882 square square kilometers, the park is bordered by the snaky Brahmaputra in the north and cut by an incongruous highway in the south, on the other side of which are the wooden highlands of Karbi Anglong.

Despite an uptick of a dozen more individuals in the park than last year, blood still coats the grass blades in the reserve. 17 rhinos were killed in 2015, 18 murdered in 2016, and six slaughtered in 2017.

To understand the prevalence of poaching in Kaziranga, one has to comprehend its boundaries. Spanning a total of 882 square square kilometers, the park is bordered by the snaky Brahmaputra in the north and cut by an incongruous highway in the south, on the other side of which are the wooden highlands of Karbi Anglong.

Despite an uptick of a dozen more individuals in the park than last year, blood still coats the grass blades in the reserve. 17 rhinos were killed in 2015, 18 murdered in 2016, and six slaughtered in 2017.

To understand the prevalence of poaching in Kaziranga, one has to comprehend its boundaries. Spanning a total of 882 square square kilometers, the park is bordered by the snaky Brahmaputra in the north and cut by an incongruous highway in the south, on the other side of which are the wooden highlands of Karbi Anglong.

Despite an uptick of a dozen more individuals in the park than last year, blood still coats the grass blades in the reserve. 17 rhinos were killed in 2015, 18 murdered in 2016, and six slaughtered in 2017.

To understand the prevalence of poaching in Kaziranga, one has to comprehend its boundaries. Spanning a total of 882 square square kilometers, the park is bordered by the snaky Brahmaputra in the north and cut by an incongruous highway in the south, on the other side of which are the wooden highlands of Karbi Anglong.

Despite an uptick of a dozen more individuals in the park than last year, blood still coats the grass blades in the reserve. 17 rhinos were killed in 2015, 18 murdered in 2016, and six slaughtered in 2017.

To understand the prevalence of poaching in Kaziranga, one has to comprehend its boundaries. Spanning a total of 882 square square kilometers, the park is bordered by the snaky Brahmaputra in the north and cut by an incongruous highway in the south, on the other side of which are the wooden highlands of Karbi Anglong.

“Poachers generally encroach in from the Karbi area,” explains forest guard Tarun Gogoi. “They seek cover in dense corners and difficult terrains, hatching a plan for the rhino’s murder.”

If the hunters are successful, then a beast is dead, the soil reeks of spilt blood, and a smuggled horn makes it way to China, through popular back door routes such as the Indo-Myanmar border.

I travel to Burapahar range, the western frontier of Kaziranga, the site of a recent killing in May.

“Poachers generally encroach in from the Karbi area,” explains forest guard Tarun Gogoi. “They seek cover in dense corners and difficult terrains, hatching a plan for the rhino’s murder.”

If the hunters are successful, then a beast is dead, the soil reeks of spilt blood, and a smuggled horn makes it way to China, through popular back door routes such as the Indo-Myanmar border.

I travel to Burapahar range, the western frontier of Kaziranga, the site of a recent killing in May.

“Poachers generally encroach in from the Karbi area,” explains forest guard Tarun Gogoi. “They seek cover in dense corners and difficult terrains, hatching a plan for the rhino’s murder.”

If the hunters are successful, then a beast is dead, the soil reeks of spilt blood, and a smuggled horn makes it way to China, through popular back door routes such as the Indo-Myanmar border.

I travel to Burapahar range, the western frontier of Kaziranga, the site of a recent killing in May.

“Poachers generally encroach in from the Karbi area,” explains forest guard Tarun Gogoi. “They seek cover in dense corners and difficult terrains, hatching a plan for the rhino’s murder.”

If the hunters are successful, then a beast is dead, the soil reeks of spilt blood, and a smuggled horn makes it way to China, through popular back door routes such as the Indo-Myanmar border.

I travel to Burapahar range, the western frontier of Kaziranga, the site of a recent killing in May.

“Poachers generally encroach in from the Karbi area,” explains forest guard Tarun Gogoi. “They seek cover in dense corners and difficult terrains, hatching a plan for the rhino’s murder.”

If the hunters are successful, then a beast is dead, the soil reeks of spilt blood, and a smuggled horn makes it way to China, through popular back door routes such as the Indo-Myanmar border.

I travel to Burapahar range, the western frontier of Kaziranga, the site of a recent killing in May.

The rhino was the fourth one to be slaughtered this year. Armed poachers killed a male rhino atop a highland deep inside the park, and took away the horn even as forest officials retaliated with gunfire.

The rhino was the fourth one to be slaughtered this year. Armed poachers killed a male rhino atop a highland deep inside the park, and took away the horn even as forest officials retaliated with gunfire.

The rhino was the fourth one to be slaughtered this year. Armed poachers killed a male rhino atop a highland deep inside the park, and took away the horn even as forest officials retaliated with gunfire.

The rhino was the fourth one to be slaughtered this year. Armed poachers killed a male rhino atop a highland deep inside the park, and took away the horn even as forest officials retaliated with gunfire.

The rhino was the fourth one to be slaughtered this year. Armed poachers killed a male rhino atop a highland deep inside the park, and took away the horn even as forest officials retaliated with gunfire.

Investigators suspect that the men must have sneaked into the park atleast two days before the shooting to study the accessibility of the crime scene.

“We try and defend all boundaries of the park, be it fluid or concrete,” says Gogoi. “But the truth of the matter is that poaching will never cease in Kaziranga.

“As long as there is a horn on the rhino, there will be poaching.”

Investigators suspect that the men must have sneaked into the park atleast two days before the shooting to study the accessibility of the crime scene.

“We try and defend all boundaries of the park, be it fluid or concrete,” says Gogoi. “But the truth of the matter is that poaching will never cease in Kaziranga.

“As long as there is a horn on the rhino, there will be poaching.”

Investigators suspect that the men must have sneaked into the park atleast two days before the shooting to study the accessibility of the crime scene.

“We try and defend all boundaries of the park, be it fluid or concrete,” says Gogoi. “But the truth of the matter is that poaching will never cease in Kaziranga.

“As long as there is a horn on the rhino, there will be poaching.”

Investigators suspect that the men must have sneaked into the park atleast two days before the shooting to study the accessibility of the crime scene.

“We try and defend all boundaries of the park, be it fluid or concrete,” says Gogoi. “But the truth of the matter is that poaching will never cease in Kaziranga.

“As long as there is a horn on the rhino, there will be poaching.”

Investigators suspect that the men must have sneaked into the park atleast two days before the shooting to study the accessibility of the crime scene.

“We try and defend all boundaries of the park, be it fluid or concrete,” says Gogoi. “But the truth of the matter is that poaching will never cease in Kaziranga.

“As long as there is a horn on the rhino, there will be poaching.”

Where the Grass Is Greener

Where the Grass Is Greener

Where the Grass Is Greener

Where the Grass Is Greener

Where the Grass Is Greener

Basumatary plans for a safer future for his rhinos. Once stable and of age, they will be rehabilitated back into the wild either in Kaziranga or in Manas National Park, another protected area in Assam. Manas was earlier wiped off its rhino population due to political instability and land conflict.

“Three of the females we have released in Manas have become mothers there,” he says. “There is still space for more rhinos, now that peace has returned in the region.”

The CWRC rescued its first rhino, a few weeks old baby, during the floods of 2002. After raising it for about three and a half years, the rhino was rehabilitated in 2006.

Basumatary plans for a safer future for his rhinos. Once stable and of age, they will be rehabilitated back into the wild either in Kaziranga or in Manas National Park, another protected area in Assam. Manas was earlier wiped off its rhino population due to political instability and land conflict.

“Three of the females we have released in Manas have become mothers there,” he says. “There is still space for more rhinos, now that peace has returned in the region.”

The CWRC rescued its first rhino, a few weeks old baby, during the floods of 2002. After raising it for about three and a half years, the rhino was rehabilitated in 2006.

Basumatary plans for a safer future for his rhinos. Once stable and of age, they will be rehabilitated back into the wild either in Kaziranga or in Manas National Park, another protected area in Assam. Manas was earlier wiped off its rhino population due to political instability and land conflict.

“Three of the females we have released in Manas have become mothers there,” he says. “There is still space for more rhinos, now that peace has returned in the region.”

The CWRC rescued its first rhino, a few weeks old baby, during the floods of 2002. After raising it for about three and a half years, the rhino was rehabilitated in 2006.

Basumatary plans for a safer future for his rhinos. Once stable and of age, they will be rehabilitated back into the wild either in Kaziranga or in Manas National Park, another protected area in Assam. Manas was earlier wiped off its rhino population due to political instability and land conflict.

“Three of the females we have released in Manas have become mothers there,” he says. “There is still space for more rhinos, now that peace has returned in the region.”

The CWRC rescued its first rhino, a few weeks old baby, during the floods of 2002. After raising it for about three and a half years, the rhino was rehabilitated in 2006.

Basumatary plans for a safer future for his rhinos. Once stable and of age, they will be rehabilitated back into the wild either in Kaziranga or in Manas National Park, another protected area in Assam. Manas was earlier wiped off its rhino population due to political instability and land conflict.

“Three of the females we have released in Manas have become mothers there,” he says. “There is still space for more rhinos, now that peace has returned in the region.”

The CWRC rescued its first rhino, a few weeks old baby, during the floods of 2002. After raising it for about three and a half years, the rhino was rehabilitated in 2006.

Till date, the center has sent back 14 rhinos to the wild, two to the lush valleys of Kaziranga and twelve to the throbbing interiors of Manas.

Till date, the center has sent back 14 rhinos to the wild, two to the lush valleys of Kaziranga and twelve to the throbbing interiors of Manas.

Till date, the center has sent back 14 rhinos to the wild, two to the lush valleys of Kaziranga and twelve to the throbbing interiors of Manas.

Till date, the center has sent back 14 rhinos to the wild, two to the lush valleys of Kaziranga and twelve to the throbbing interiors of Manas.

Till date, the center has sent back 14 rhinos to the wild, two to the lush valleys of Kaziranga and twelve to the throbbing interiors of Manas.

Done reading out an exhausting list of rehabilitation numbers, the doctor looks down at the agitated needles of his watch and then in the direction of the CWRC gate. His audience is late.

An hour later, a bustling bus full of uniformed men and women arrives. Dapper cadets from Seema Suraksha Bal, a border protection force, pour out in organised swarms. As they circle around the vet, Basumatary starts to train them in rescue and rehabilitation. When it comes to rhinos, he needs all hands on deck.

Done reading out an exhausting list of rehabilitation numbers, the doctor looks down at the agitated needles of his watch and then in the direction of the CWRC gate. His audience is late.

An hour later, a bustling bus full of uniformed men and women arrives. Dapper cadets from Seema Suraksha Bal, a border protection force, pour out in organised swarms. As they circle around the vet, Basumatary starts to train them in rescue and rehabilitation. When it comes to rhinos, he needs all hands on deck.

Done reading out an exhausting list of rehabilitation numbers, the doctor looks down at the agitated needles of his watch and then in the direction of the CWRC gate. His audience is late.

An hour later, a bustling bus full of uniformed men and women arrives. Dapper cadets from Seema Suraksha Bal, a border protection force, pour out in organised swarms. As they circle around the vet, Basumatary starts to train them in rescue and rehabilitation. When it comes to rhinos, he needs all hands on deck.

Done reading out an exhausting list of rehabilitation numbers, the doctor looks down at the agitated needles of his watch and then in the direction of the CWRC gate. His audience is late.

An hour later, a bustling bus full of uniformed men and women arrives. Dapper cadets from Seema Suraksha Bal, a border protection force, pour out in organised swarms. As they circle around the vet, Basumatary starts to train them in rescue and rehabilitation. When it comes to rhinos, he needs all hands on deck.

Done reading out an exhausting list of rehabilitation numbers, the doctor looks down at the agitated needles of his watch and then in the direction of the CWRC gate. His audience is late.

An hour later, a bustling bus full of uniformed men and women arrives. Dapper cadets from Seema Suraksha Bal, a border protection force, pour out in organised swarms. As they circle around the vet, Basumatary starts to train them in rescue and rehabilitation. When it comes to rhinos, he needs all hands on deck.

“Do not be unnecessary brave,” he warns the perimeter of soldiers, aware of the slight machismo that comes with the trappings. “An animal is an animal, do not try to predict it.”

In between demonstrations, the philosopher looks up at the eager crowd and slips in a contented smile. If man can imperil a species, then men, together, can try and save it.

“Do not be unnecessary brave,” he warns the perimeter of soldiers, aware of the slight machismo that comes with the trappings. “An animal is an animal, do not try to predict it.”

In between demonstrations, the philosopher looks up at the eager crowd and slips in a contented smile. If man can imperil a species, then men, together, can try and save it.

“Do not be unnecessary brave,” he warns the perimeter of soldiers, aware of the slight machismo that comes with the trappings. “An animal is an animal, do not try to predict it.”

In between demonstrations, the philosopher looks up at the eager crowd and slips in a contented smile. If man can imperil a species, then men, together, can try and save it.

“Do not be unnecessary brave,” he warns the perimeter of soldiers, aware of the slight machismo that comes with the trappings. “An animal is an animal, do not try to predict it.”

In between demonstrations, the philosopher looks up at the eager crowd and slips in a contented smile. If man can imperil a species, then men, together, can try and save it.

“Do not be unnecessary brave,” he warns the perimeter of soldiers, aware of the slight machismo that comes with the trappings. “An animal is an animal, do not try to predict it.”

In between demonstrations, the philosopher looks up at the eager crowd and slips in a contented smile. If man can imperil a species, then men, together, can try and save it.

–
The unspoken tales of
India's forest rangers.

From the sand to the sea,
the hills and the green.

–
The unspoken tales of
India's forest rangers.

From the sand to the sea,
the hills and the green.

–
The unspoken tales of
India's forest rangers.

From the sand to the sea,
the hills and the green.

–
The unspoken tales of
India's forest rangers.

From the sand to the sea,
the hills and the green.

–
The unspoken tales of
India's forest rangers.

From the sand to the sea,
the hills and the green.