Overview
- On January 20, 2026, Chandra (5) and Kanai (4) were translocated from the CWRC to secure pre-release sites inside Kaziranga as the final step before full release.
- Park authorities used internationally accepted translocation protocols, with approvals from Assam’s Chief Wildlife Warden under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and site selection by a committee.
- The operation was led by CWRC centre-in-charge Bhaskar Choudhury with veterinarians and Kaziranga officials including field director Sonali Ghosh and DFO Arun Vignesh, supported by subject experts.
- Officials said post-release oversight will rely on independent, manual behavioural monitoring without implanted microchips.
- Established in 2002, the CWRC has handled 7,397 animals across 357 species, releasing about 4,490 after treatment, including 25 hand-raised rhinos previously returned to Manas and Kaziranga.