Chitwan’s orphaned Rhinos: Human care complicates rewilding efforts
Four orphaned rhino calves named Ram, Dev, Puja, and Maila are currently under human care at the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) in Sauraha. Rescued after being separated from their mothers or injured in tiger attacks, these calves are receiving the necessary care and nutrition at the center. However, their future remains uncertain due to the challenges of reintroducing them to the wild.
“Reintroducing these rhinos to the wild is a complex process,” said Dr. Vijay Shrestha, a senior veterinarian at Chitwan National Park. “They become accustomed to human care, which can hinder their ability to survive independently.”
Since 2017, the center has rescued 20 rhino calves. Some have been relocated to other conservation areas or gifted to foreign zoos. However, many face difficulties adapting to new environments. To address this, the government is now exploring the possibility of establishing a dedicated rhino sanctuary in eastern Nepal.
As conservationists grapple with the challenges of balancing human care with the need for wild survival, the future of these orphaned rhinos remains uncertain.
