Homecoming: Two Hand-Raised Orphaned Rhinos Translocated To Kaziranga After 5 Years

KAZIRANGA, ASSAM — In a major milestone for wildlife conservation, two male one-horned rhinoceroses, Chandra and Kanai, were successfully translocated from the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) back to Kaziranga National Park on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The duo, who lost their mothers to the Brahmaputra’s floodwaters years ago, represent a “proud moment” for the forest department and animal keepers who raised them from vulnerable calves to healthy young adults.

1. The Journey of Chandra and Kanai

The two rhinos were rescued in separate, life-threatening incidents during the peak monsoon seasons in Assam.

• Chandra (5 years old): Rescued on August 2, 2020, near the Mihimukh entrance of the Kohora forest range. She was barely a year old when she was found stranded in the rising floodwaters.
• Kanai (4 years old): Rescued on August 31, 2021, from a shed near the Bagori forest area. He had been separated from his mother and was found exhausted and distressed.
• The Bond: Over the last three years at the CWRC, the two became inseparable, with Kanai often following Chandra like a younger brother.

2. The “Soft Release” Strategy

The translocation was conducted following internationally accepted conservation protocols to ensure the animals’ safety.

• Pre-Release Enclosure: Chandra and Kanai will not be released directly into the open wild. Instead, they have been placed in a secure, well-vegetated pre-release enclosure inside Kaziranga.
• Acclimatization: This “soft release” allows them to habituate to wild foraging and territory without the immediate pressure of predators or older, dominant rhinos.
• Non-Intrusive Monitoring: Divisional Forest Officer Arun Vignesh confirmed that no microchips were implanted. Instead, an independent team will manually monitor their behavior to ensure they are adapting well.

3. CWRC: A Lifeline for Assam’s Wildlife

The operation was overseen by Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, and a team of expert veterinarians led by Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury.

• Collaborative Effort: The CWRC was established in 2002 by the Assam Forest Department, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
• Track Record: Since its inception, the center has handled over 7,397 animals from 357 different species.
• Rhino Success: Of the 25 hand-raised rhinos produced by the center, 23 have been released in Manas National Park, while Chandra and Kanai mark the latest success story for Kaziranga.

Rhino Translocation Quick Facts