A wildlife rescue centre being developed on 30 hectare area in Dhela zone of Corbett will be the biggest facility of its kind in the state. According to officials, a 30 strong staff including veterinary surgeon, physician and anaesthesia expert will work at this centre. A sum of about Rs 10 crore has been spent on this project so far. The part of the centre prepared so far is already being used for treatment of tiger, leopard and elephant while after completion, the centre will also be able to provide treatment to bear, snakes, birds and other wildlife. Currently, this centre is being used to provide treatment to five leopards and two tigers.
Corbett national park director Rahul said that after Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit, the plan for establishment of this wildlife rescue centre was announced in 2019. The total cost of the project is about Rs 19 crore out of which a sum of about Rs 10 crore has already been spent on the facility which is under construction. The five leopards brought here for treatment include two each from Rishikesh and Rudrapur and one from Nainital. Two of these leopards were found to be attacking villagers while three were rescued in an injured condition. The big cats under treatment will be released in the jungles after they are found to be fit for release, added Rahul.