19 Years, 6000 Animals: Why This Man Dedicated His Life To Rescuing Wildlife in Kaziranga

Born in Kaziranga, Assam, Manoj Gogoi grew up in the lap of nature, surrounded by rhinoceroses, leopards, Himalayan birds, and even venomous snakes.

“It is a familiar environment for me since childhood. Naturally, I developed a genuine fondness for the wild,” he smiles.

Growing up, Manoj knew what he wanted to do. “Working as a tourist guide, I always wanted to help wild animals in need. After my first successful rescue in 2005, I knew I was born for this,” he adds.

Although he left formal education after his matriculation exam, he pursued a one-month course at the Bombay Natural History Society in Mumbai in 2006, which helped in cementing his passion for saving the wild. The following year, he started his organisation — Naturalists for Rehabilitation of Snakes and Birds (NRSB).

Since then, Manoj has rescued more than 6,000 animals including wild boars, jackals, leopards, and pregnant deer. “I have learned mostly through experience, and each animal is as special as the other,” he adds.

During floods, he works tirelessly to rescue animals in distress. Thousands of animals owe their lives to this saviour who never says no, no matter how late or how far he is.

Manoj Gogoi truly is a hero for Kaziranga’s stranded animals.

Edited by Khushi Arora