A wildlife rescue centre has been set up inside the compound of the proposed Pokhara International Zoo in Pachabhaiya, Pokhara Lekhnath metropolis.

Himalaya Bakhrel, the coordinator of Pokhara International Zoo Construction Committee, said the rescue centre was opened to treat and rehabilitate wild animals.

“Our objective is to rescue injured and sick animals, administer them treatment and release them back to their habitats. We will also adopt some animals and integrate them in the zoo,” he aid.

Already, the centre is offering food, shelter and treatment to various animal and bird species, most of which were rescued by the Kaski District Forest Office.

The proposed zoo, which is being constructed by the United Club of Pokhara, covers 134 hectares of forestland of Pachabhaiya, Chainpur and Chayapani Chisakuna Community Forests.

“It is mostly locals who are involved in the construction of the zoo and the operation of the wildlife rescue centre. We hope the government will recognise our efforts and offer us assistance,” said Mohan Ghimire, chairman of Phachabhaiya Community Forest.

District Forest Officer Kedar Baral lauded the local community for taking the initiative to conserve wildlife by building the zoo and opening the wildlife rescue centre.

“What they have done here is praiseworthy and the government should assist them to further develop the facility in the future,” he said.