In a major breakthrough for wildlife conservation, the West Bengal government has officially approved the construction of dedicated wildlife hospitals in North Bengal — a long-standing demand by forest officials, conservationists, and animal lovers.

The upcoming hospitals will be strategically located in Buxa Tiger Reserve, Jaldapara National Park, and Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary — three of the region’s most biodiversity-rich zones. These state-of-the-art centers will be equipped to treat everything from injured elephants and rhinos to birds, reptiles and small mammals.

Until now, veterinary response in the region was limited to makeshift setups deep within the forests. Injured animals were treated on-site by forest staff and vets lacking the proper equipment or environment to provide comprehensive care.

“This had been a critical gap in our conservation efforts,” said Bhaskar JV, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), North Bengal. “Now, with the government’s approval, we are preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR), and construction is expected to begin within a year.”

Advanced facilities for every species

Far beyond typical veterinary clinics, these wildlife hospitals will feature operation theatres large enough for elephants and rhinos, advanced anesthesia units for safe and humane procedures, ultrasound facilities (USG) tailored to scan large mammals like bison and rhinos and special wings for birds and reptiles.

Each center is designed to provide both emergency trauma care and long-term treatment for wildlife patients, ensuring a holistic approach to healing.

North Bengal’s wilderness — which includes Jaldapara, Gorumara, Neora Valley, Chapramari and Buxa — is home to iconic species like elephants, leopards, tigers, and rhinos. But modern infrastructure, such as railways and highways, has led to a rise in human-animal conflict and injury.

In the absence of proper hospitals, many animals have succumbed to treatable injuries. The newly sanctioned hospitals aim to end this tragic pattern.

More than just hospitals

Beyond treatment, the centers are expected to serve as training institutes for future wildlife veterinarians, research hubs for conservation and wildlife science and awareness centers for sustainable co-existence with nature
“These hospitals represent more than medical care. They are a promise to our forests, a commitment to healing, learning, and protecting,” said a senior forest official involved in the project.

A new dawn for North Bengal’s wildlife

For the forests of North Bengal — where rhinos graze, elephants roam, and the shadow of a leopard is never far — this project signals a transformative step forward.

With surgical gloves, specialised scanners, and a renewed sense of responsibility, the wilderness is set to receive not just medical help, but a fresh chance at survival.

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