Assam: Vet, Dr. Panjit Basumatary Honoured at the 24th annual IFAW Animal Action Awards, UK
Dr. Basumatary has attended to around 4,000 individual wild animals across more than 250 species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds.
GUWAHATI- Global non-profit, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has honoured Dr. Panjit Basumatary from Assam for his remarkable contributions to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Mr. Vivek Menon, founder and ED of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), accepted the award on his behalf at the 24th annual IFAW Animal Action Awards held in London, UK, on October 17, 2024.
A senior veterinarian with the Wildlife Trust of India, one of the country’s leading wildlife conservation organisations, Dr. Basumatary’s passion for conservation began in his childhood, exploring the lush forests surrounding his home in rural Assam. This early exposure to nature ignited his commitment to a career that enabled him to work closely with wildlife.
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Driven by the knowledge that his efforts positively impact the lives of animals, Dr. Basumatary finds profound fulfilment in his work. “One of my most cherished memories is successfully treating an injured golden langur and releasing it back into the wild,” he shared. “It is our responsibility as humans to protect and care for animals by understanding their needs, respecting their habitats, and fostering a harmonious world for all living beings.”
The IFAW Animal Action Awards celebrate the unsung heroes of animal welfare, honouring individuals who dedicate their lives to the protection and conservation of wildlife.
Dr. Basumatary has been working with WTI for 14 years, working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and release distressed and injured wild animals. He has hand-raised rhinos, elephants, clouded leopards, hoolock gibbon and numerous bear cubs. Additionally, he has published multiple scientific papers on issues related to the rehabilitation and release of wild animals.
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Throughout his career, Dr. Basumatary has attended to around 4,000 individual wild animals across more than 250 species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. At the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga, he and his team successfully hand-raised 26 orphaned Greater One-horned Rhino calves, with many rehabilitated back into the wild.
Currently, Dr. Basumatary serves as the Manager and Head of the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) in Pakke Tiger Reserve. Arunachal Pradesh. It is India’s only facility dedicated to hand-raising and rehabilitating orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs. Since its establishment in 2002 by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), CBRC has successfully rehabilitated and released over 60 bear cubs back into their natural habitat in Arunachal Pradesh.
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“At our centres, we receive animals that are often injured or in critical health. As a doctor, I strive to save each life. Our team often steps in as caregivers, nurturing and feeding young animals. Seeing an animal successfully returned to the wild is incredibly rewarding while losing one is always heartbreaking,” expressed Dr. Panjit Basumatary.
Driven by the knowledge that his efforts positively impact the lives of animals, Dr Panjit finds profound fulfilment in his work. “It is our responsibility as humans to protect and care for animals by understanding their needs, respecting their habitats, and fostering a harmonious world for all living beings,” he shared.
