A rehabilitation centre for black bears comes up in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 23 (ANI): A modern rehabilitation centre for the Himalayan black bear has been recently set up at the Dachigam National Park, around 25 kilometers from Srinagar.

The purpose to this high-tech rehabilitation centre was mooted to rescue the Himalayan black bears.

Riyaz Ahmed, a wildlife warden, Dachigam National Park said that the place is for the rehabilitation of the animals falling sick or getting injured.

This sanctuary covers an area of 141 square kilometres amid pristine scenic surroundings.

"The bears we have with us feel they are in a jail, but once we leave them here, they can roam around, bathe, they will have all kinds of facilities," said Toyib Shah, a Forest Ranger, Dachigam National Park.

The step taken by the Conservator of Forests has earned kudos of the Wildlife and Zoo Authority of India since such rehabilitation centre of quality care is a blessing for the Himalayan bears.

The Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of nearly a score of mammal species such as the Hangul, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan marmot and leopard.

The sanctuary is also the home to a good number of winged beauties numbering over 150.

These include Monal, Koklas, Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Grey Heron, Starling, Golden Oriole, Paradise Flycatcher, Western Yellow-Billed Blue Magpie, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon and Black Bulbul. (ANI)