In the long run, the success of the Assam State Zoo will depend on how well it balances conservation efforts with public engagement
Guwahati’s Assam State Zoo, home to nearly 150 species of birds and animals, is in need of dedicated rehabilitation and quarantine facilities. While around 120 species are on public display, the lack of proper infrastructure poses challenges in animal care and management.
Talking to GPlus, a source within the zoo said, “There are approximately 150 species in the zoo, but only around 120 are available for public viewing. The absence of dedicated rehabilitation centres has been a long-standing issue. We do have a hospital inside the zoo, but there is no proper quarantine centre within the campus. This creates difficulties because, after treatment, animals need to be quarantined before they can be reintroduced to their enclosures or transferred elsewhere.”
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The official highlighted that the zoo currently lacks separate quarantine facilities for herbivores and carnivores. “If both herbivores and carnivores are housed in the same hospital area, it creates a dangerous situation where prey and predators are in close proximity. Ideally, quarantine centres should be set up away from the hospital. Many animals rescued from different parts of Assam are brought to the zoo, and without a proper rehabilitation centre, managing them becomes complicated.”
This concern is particularly relevant given that the zoo plays a crucial role in rehabilitating rescued wildlife. The official explained that some animals are transferred to other zoos across India under the Central Zoo Authority’s animal exchange programme.
“In 2024 alone, we transferred 12 species to the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, including Indian rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, and Oriental pied hornbills. In exchange, 11 species, including blackbucks and blue-and-yellow macaws, were brought to the Assam State Zoo,” the official stated.
Exotic Species Off Display
Another major issue is the presence of exotic species that cannot be displayed due to various constraints. According to the official, “We have 18 exotic species in the zoo, but they are currently not available for public viewing.” This restriction is likely due to regulatory concerns, inadequate enclosures, or the absence of appropriate care facilities.
Renovation Plans and Long Wait
While these challenges persist, the Assam State Zoo is undergoing a massive renovation, which, according to zoo officials, could take anywhere from three to five years. “The renovation project includes the establishment of veterinary facilities, including rescue centres. This will not only improve animal care but also ensure the safety of visitors,” a senior zoo official told G Plus.
However, the slow pace of development means that current issues will continue for the foreseeable future. “In the meantime, we are doing as much as possible,” the official added.
The high mortality rate among rescued animals has raised concerns about the zoo’s existing infrastructure and rehabilitation facilities. While the zoo plays a crucial role in rescuing and sheltering distressed wildlife, the lack of proper quarantine and recovery spaces makes it difficult to ensure their survival. Experts believe that stress, delayed medical intervention, and inadequate enclosures contribute to the fatalities. With a survival rate of just 56% in the first two months of 2025, the need for improved veterinary care and specialized rehabilitation centres has become more urgent than ever. Zoo authorities have acknowledged these challenges and assured that ongoing renovations will include dedicated rescue and treatment facilities to improve the survival chances of rescued animals.
A Guwahati based Wildlife Conservator talking to GPlus said, “Some rescued animals can be rehabilitated and released back into the wild, but the lack of a structured rehabilitation programme makes this difficult. Keeping them in captivity for prolonged periods is not always the best solution,” said a conservationist familiar with the issue.
"The problem is particularly severe for large mammals like leopards, and bears. These animals require specialised care and, in some cases, lifelong rehabilitation, which the zoo is currently ill-equipped to provide."
Way Forward
Despite the current challenges, zoo officials remain hopeful about the long-term impact of the renovation project. “Once the renovation is complete, the zoo will have modernised enclosures, veterinary facilities, and rescue centres, making it one of the best in the region,” an official stated.
However, wildlife experts argue that immediate steps should be taken to address pressing concerns. Setting up temporary quarantine facilities, expediting renovation work, and improving communication with visitors are some of the measures that can be implemented in the short term.
In the long run, the success of the Assam State Zoo will depend on how well it balances conservation efforts with public engagement. As a major centre for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education, the zoo has the potential to set an example for other wildlife facilities in the country. But for that to happen, authorities must act swiftly to address the gaps that currently exist.
Until then, Assam State Zoo continues to operate with limitations, struggling to provide the best possible care for its animals while navigating the complexities of a long-term renovation plan.
