wildlife · Jaldapara National Park, Dooars
South Khayerbari tiger and leopard rescue centre
The centre opened on 5 November 2005 as the South Khairbari Circus Animal Rescue Centre. When the use of big cats in circuses was banned, forest officers seized tigers from a circus in Hooghly district and brought them here. The centre is recognised by the Central Zoo Authority as a mini zoo and is managed by the forest department in a patch of forest south of Madarihat.
Today the first enclosures hold leopards, many of them rescued from conflict with people in tea gardens or orphaned as cubs, and other sections hold tigers. You see them from viewing areas around large wooded enclosures. Because the animals cannot be released, this is not a wild sighting, but it tells the story of leopards in tea country, which is one of the Dooars' biggest wildlife issues.
The centre is reached by car from Madarihat, about 2 km to the forest entrance from the WBTDC lodge by one route or about 20 km by a better road; ask your driver which is open. Combine it with a Jaldapara afternoon safari or Totopara. Do not tap glass or call to the animals. Check opening days before you travel.
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Where is the South Khayerbari rescue centre
It is in the South Khairbari forest near Madarihat in Alipurduar district, a short drive from the Jaldapara park gate. Drivers take either a short forest route of about 2 km from the WBTDC lodge area or a longer road of about 20 km, depending on conditions. Ask locally which is open.
Why are there tigers at Khayerbari
The centre was set up in 2005 to house tigers seized from circuses after big-cat performances were banned. These animals could not be released into the wild. Over the years, rescued leopards, many from human-wildlife conflict in tea gardens, have also been cared for here.
Is South Khayerbari worth visiting with children
Yes, as a short visit. Children can see leopards and tigers at close range, and it is a good way to talk about why wild animals should not be kept as performers or pets. Keep voices low and do not tease the animals. Combine it with a safari so the day includes wild animals too.
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