A state-of-the-art wildlife rescue center is nearing completion in the eastern region of Shuklaphanta National Park, Arjuni, with the aim of rescuing and rehabilitating animals such as tigers and leopards. Constructed under the investment of over NPR 10 million by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), two dedicated rescue centers are being built to serve this purpose.
According to Lakshmiraj Joshi, head of the NTNC Kanchanpur Office, the infrastructure work has reached its final stage. “Only minor works such as installation of drinking water systems, electricity supply, and CCTV cameras are left to be completed,” he said. “The access road around the center is under construction, and fencing of the premises still needs to be done.”
Although the physical infrastructure is close to being finalized, Joshi emphasized that there is a need to find donor agencies to support the next phase of development. This includes arranging the necessary budget for feeding and caring for rescued animals such as tigers and leopards that are brought in from the park’s buffer zone. “Efforts are underway to manage financial resources for animal feed and daily care,” he added.
Purushottam Bagale, the information officer at Shuklaphanta National Park, informed that the park office has provided technical assistance and managed land and permissions for the construction of the center. “NTNC is leading all aspects of infrastructure development,” he said. “The center is expected to be fully operational within the next one to two months.”
The main objective of this center is to rescue wildlife from the park’s buffer zones, conduct health assessments, provide medical treatment, and ultimately release them into safe natural habitats. In the case of problematic animals such as man-eating tigers and leopards, they will be kept in the center until their behavior improves before being relocated. Bagale further noted that the center will also accommodate abandoned, injured, disabled, and distressed animals, providing them temporary shelter and care with the ultimate goal of rehabilitation in the wild.
This upcoming rescue center is the first of its kind in the Sudurpaschim Province, designed with modern standards to house rescued animals. While NTNC had previously constructed and operated an enclosure for leopards in Dadeldhura, this facility in Shuklaphanta is a more comprehensive center aimed at long-term rehabilitation efforts.
With the increasing population of tigers and leopards inside Shuklaphanta National Park, sightings in surrounding human settlements have become more frequent. Locals from buffer zone areas have reported wild animals entering farmlands, creating safety concerns. In just the past few weeks, the park office successfully rescued two tigers from Belauri Municipality and Dodhara Chandani Municipality and released them safely back into the wild.
Reports confirm that leopards are seen almost every month in the settlements around the buffer zone. Park and NTNC rescue teams have been actively involved in relocating these animals to safer locations. However, the lack of a proper rescue center had created challenges in temporarily housing and caring for rescued wildlife. With the new center coming into operation, this longstanding issue is expected to be resolved.
The establishment of the center will streamline the rescue and rehabilitation process and also contribute to conservation efforts. It will allow rescued animals to be observed, treated, and gradually returned to their natural habitats. Furthermore, officials mention that the rescue center will serve as a valuable resource for academic and scientific research. Healthy wildlife kept temporarily in the center may be used for educational studies, contributing to greater knowledge in wildlife behavior, treatment methods, and conservation strategies.
In the context of rising human-wildlife conflict due to the expansion of animal territories and shrinking habitats, the new rescue center is a timely and much-needed initiative. It is expected to reduce stress on both the park management and local communities by offering a safe and secure environment for rescued animals.
As Shuklaphanta National Park continues to gain recognition for its rich biodiversity and growing population of large carnivores like tigers and leopards, the completion and operation of this rescue center marks a significant milestone in wildlife management and conservation in the region. Not only will it help protect endangered species, but it will also enhance the safety and cooperation between local communities and the park authorities.
The center is also anticipated to boost eco-tourism potential in the Sudurpaschim Province by showcasing Nepal’s commitment to wildlife preservation. It will serve as an example of how infrastructure development, conservation, and community participation can come together to ensure a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
As work nears completion, stakeholders remain optimistic about securing additional funding and technical support for the effective management of the rescue center. Once operational, it will serve as a central hub for wildlife rescue operations in western Nepal, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.
