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PAWSITIVE HEROES: Dr. Panjit Basumatary’s Wildlife Legacy

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Neha

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8 min read

06 Dec, 2024

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In a world where wildlife conservation is often overlooked, Dr. Panjit Basumatary's story shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration. This wildlife veterinarian from Kokrajhar, Assam, has devoted his life to rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting wild animals. His unwavering commitment has not only transformed the lives of countless animals but also raised global awareness about wildlife conservation.


Early Life: A Passion for Animals

Born in Kokrajhar, Assam, Dr. Basumatary grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the northeastern region. This early connection with nature kindled a lifelong love for animals. Unlike most childhood dreams that fade over time, his passion grew stronger, guiding him toward veterinary medicine. After completing his studies, he envisioned a career that combined his professional skills with his love for wildlife—a dream that soon became a reality.


The Beginning of a Lifelong Mission

In 2008, fresh into his career, Dr. Basumatary encountered a golden langur that had been attacked by stray dogs. He successfully treated the animal, an experience that left a lasting impression on him. Realizing the critical need for wildlife care, he joined the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in 2009. Here, his journey as a wildlife veterinarian truly began.


His first major assignment was at the black bear cub rehabilitation center in Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary. This marked the start of a career filled with groundbreaking contributions to wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.



Milestones in Wildlife Rehabilitation

Dr. Basumatary's 14-year tenure with the Wildlife Trust of India has been marked by numerous achievements:


  • Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC): In Kaziranga, Dr. Basumatary played a vital role in raising 26 orphaned greater one-horned rhino calves. Many of these calves were later released back into the wild, demonstrating the success of rehabilitation efforts.


  • Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC): As the Manager and Head of this facility, he oversees the care of orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs. CBRC, located in Pakke Tiger Reserve, is India's only facility dedicated to rehabilitating these bears, and it has successfully released over 60 cubs back into the wild since its inception.


  • Widespread Impact: Dr. Basumatary has treated around 3,000 wild animals from more than 250 species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. His work often involves delicate procedures, such as removing a tumor from a tigress at Itanagar Biological Park.


Challenges and Triumphs

Bringing injured or orphaned wild animals back to health is no easy task. It requires immense patience, expertise, and compassion. Dr. Basumatary often faces logistical challenges, ranging from the remote locations of rescue operations to the lack of resources.


Arunachal Times


Despite these hurdles, he has developed innovative rehabilitation strategies, many of which are now documented in his research publications. These works serve as invaluable guides for other veterinarians and conservationists working in similar fields.


International Recognition

Dr. Basumatary’s dedication to wildlife has not gone unnoticed. On October 17, 2024, he received the Animal Welfare Field Veterinary Award at the 24th International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Animal Action Awards in London.


Selected from 650 nominees across 29 countries, this prestigious honor highlights the global significance of his work. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Basumatary acknowledged the collective efforts of teams and individuals in wildlife conservation, emphasizing that every contribution matters.


A Legacy of Inspiration

Dr. Basumatary’s story resonates deeply, not just within India but around the world. His achievements inspire aspiring veterinarians and conservationists, reminding them that even small acts of care can create ripples of change.


Through his work, he highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting the voiceless creatures that share our planet.


Dr. Basumatary’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and collaboration. His deep love for animals shaped a remarkable career in wildlife conservation, proving that following one’s passion can lead to fulfilling and impactful work. Despite challenges such as limited resources and logistical hurdles, his unwavering determination highlights the power of resilience in achieving extraordinary outcomes. Moreover, his collaborations with organizations like the Wildlife Trust of India underscore the significance of teamwork in driving meaningful conservation efforts.


ALSO READ | PAW-SITIVE HEROES: Geeta Seshamani, Compassionate Crusader

Conclusion

As he continues his mission at the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation, Dr. Basumatary inspires hope for a future where humans and wildlife coexist harmoniously.

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