Gujarat Launches Second Wolf Rewilding Facility

• 13 Aug 2024

On 13th August, 2024, World Wolf Day, Gujarat is set to open its second rewilding facility for wolves in the Wild Ass Sanctuary of Surendranagar, aiming to control wild herbivore populations that threaten crops.

• Gujarat's forest department will inaugurate a new soft-release facility for wolves at Thala Vidi in Surendranagar on World Wolf Day, adding to its ongoing conservation efforts.
• The new facility will house six zoo-bred wolves, including four females and two males, which will be rewilded and trained for life in the wild.
• This facility follows the earlier success of a similar project in Banaskantha, where wolves adapted well and successfully bred in the wild.
• Previous attempts to rewild wolves in Gujarat included releases at Ambardi Safari Park and Gir Interpretation Zone, with mixed results in breeding and pack formation.
• The new facility will employ the same protocols as the Nada Bet facility, which has seen success in wolf breeding and adaptation to wild conditions.
• The conservation program has included efforts such as radio-collaring wolves to monitor their movements and ensure successful integration into the wild.