Wildlife Rescue Centers: India currently has over 60 wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers spread across various states. These centers are operated by state forest departments, the central government, and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Some specialize in rescuing birds and reptiles, while others offer advanced care for tigers, elephants, bears, and other large mammals.
What is the Purpose of a Wildlife Rescue Center?
Wildlife rescue centers in India serve multiple vital purposes:
- Provide medical treatment to injured or sick wild animals
- Offer shelter and care to orphaned or displaced animals
- Rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild
- Rescue animals from illegal captivity, circuses, or poaching
Major Wildlife Rescue Centers in India
| S.No | Name of Rescue Center | Location | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vantara | Jamnagar, Gujarat | Largest wildlife rescue & rehab center in India |
| 2 | CWRC | Kaziranga, Assam | Flood-affected and orphaned animal rescue |
| 3 | Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Center | Karnataka | Rescued dancing bears |
| 4 | Van Vihar Rescue Center | Bhopal, MP | Tigers, leopards, and sloth bears |
| 5 | Purulia Rescue Center | West Bengal | Bear rehabilitation |
| 6 | Agra Bear Rescue Facility | Uttar Pradesh | Sloth bears and carnivores |
| 7 | Dhela Rescue Center | Uttarakhand | Rescuing tigers & leopards from Corbett area |
| 8 | ARRC (Avian & Reptile Rehab Center) | Bangalore, Karnataka | Urban birds, snakes, and reptiles |
| 9 | Madras Crocodile Bank Trust | Tamil Nadu | Crocodiles and reptiles |
| 10 | Nilgiri Wildlife Rescue Unit | Tamil Nadu | Elephants and leopards |
Note: Besides these, almost every state has local rescue units working under forest departments that handle emergency rescue operations for wildlife.
Highlights from Selected Centers
- Vantara: Offers cutting-edge veterinary care and expansive natural enclosures.
- CWRC (Assam): Known for rescuing rhinos, elephants, and deer during monsoons.
- Wildlife SOS: Operates multiple bear and elephant rescue centers across India.
Also read: Vantara cost: How much does Anant Ambani spend on Vantara? You will be surprised to know
Why Are Wildlife Rescue Centers Important?
- Conservation: Help endangered animals survive and repopulate in the wild
- Protection: Provide safe zones for animals affected by urbanization or conflict
- Education: Promote awareness and volunteer opportunities for wildlife lovers
- Emergency Care: Save thousands of lives each year due to quick response systems
What’s the Future of Rescue Centers in India?
- Use of technology like GPS tracking, AI diagnostics, and mobile vet units
- Public-private partnerships and corporate support (e.g., Reliance Foundation’s Vantara)
- Community engagement for faster rescue and coexistence awareness
Also read: How to Reach Vantara: A Complete Guide to Reach This Amazing Animal Shelter in Jamnagar
Conclusion
When we ask: “How many and which rescue centers are there in India?”, the answer reflects India’s deep commitment to wildlife protection. These centers are not just shelters—they’re sanctuaries of hope, where injured and abandoned animals get a second chance at life.
India’s wildlife rescue network continues to expand, driven by passion, science, and a growing sense of responsibility.
