A two-day refresher course on chemical immobilization, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is under way for the Central region at Samye Resort, Bumthang on 13th January. The refresher course is attended by 21 focal officials for animal rescue from the central forest divisions of Bumthang, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Phrumsengla National Park and Wangchuck Centennial National Park. At the opening ceremony of the course, the Head Specialist of the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research graced it as a Chief Guest and Chief Forestry Officers of Bumthang Forest Division and Wangchuck Centennial National Park was in attendance. The Chief Guest reminded the participants to take the opportunity to skill and learn as much as possible to deliver the services professionally while attending such cases. He also said that the training is a news of the hour when we receive overwhelming cases reported from the field.

The course is designed to provide both theoretical and practical sessions on animal health and rescue, animal handling and safety, wildlife restraint, chemical immobilization and a series of talks and discussions to share their experiences in the fields. Adequate hand-on training on safety measures of drug and tranquilizing drug preparation and handling were also covered.

The course is organized by the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research in close collaboration with the Nature Conservation Division of the Department of Forests and Park Services with financial assistance from the Bhutan for Life. The training concludes on 14th January 2022 while a last training will be organized for Southern region next Tuesday.