Prince William and Princess Kate Support Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
The Royal couple Prince William and Princess Kate have shown to the world how they advocate for wildlife rescue by their recent visit at the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC). It is the pioneering center for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release in India.
The wildlife rescue tour gave opportunities for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to see firsthand orphaned rhinos and elephants and injured wildlife as well.
Aside from going “friendly” with the wildlife animals rehabilitated in the CWRC, the Royal couple’s visit also brought delight to prominent wildlife rescue organizations, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW – www.ifaw.org) and the Wildlife Trust of India (www.wildlifetrustofindia.org).
Azzedine Downes, IFAW President and CEO, said the Royal couple’s visit brings light to raise public awareness of the detrimental effects of habitat loss to wildlife, not only in India, but in a global context.
“We are delighted that their Royal Highnesses made time in their busy tour schedule to visit the IFAW- WTI center and meet staff and the animals under care.” – Mr. Downes
Enjoying the Encounter with the Rescue Animals
Escorted by Mr. Downes, the Center Manager, Rathin Burman, Vivek Menon, Senior Advisor at IFAW and Executive Director of WTI and veterinarian Dr. Panjit Basumatary, the couple did not waste time and enjoyed the encounter with the orphaned rhinos and elephants. William and Kate fed and walked with baby elephants, met the staff and keepers, and met baby rhinos as well.
Undeniably, the staff of the center and officers of IFAW and WTI consider the couple’s visit as relevant in promoting wildlife rescue and rehabilitation especially with the goal of rebuilding endangered wild populations.
Mr. Menon said, “We are proud to share all that the center staff have accomplished with the Duke and Duchess, and grateful that the Royal couple is using their influence to share it with the world.”
Collaborating with a Cause
The creation of Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) is a collaborative effort of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Assam Forest Department (AFD).
Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation is the leading wildlife rehabilitation facility in India. Since it was founded in 2002, the rehabilitation center has saved more than 1,600 animals. CWRC made a stellar mark in the first ever documented release of hand-reared clouded leopards. Other notable firsts include the first documented reintegration of orphaned Asian elephant calves into a wild herd.
About IFAW and WTI
Founded in 1969, IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world. The organization rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats.
Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is a leading Indian nature conservation organization committed to the service of nature. IFAW and WTI have been collaborating together for a common goal through joint strategies for more than 15 years.
