Manoj Gogoi, hailing from the wilds of Kaziranga in Assam, has spent his life amid the region’s rich biodiversity, which includes rhinoceroses, leopards, Himalayan birds, and venomous snakes.
For Manoj, nature has always been a part of his life. Subsequently, he developed deep love for the wild and was clear from a young age about his goal in life.
“As a tourist guide, my passion was always to aid animals in distress. After my first rescue in 2005, I realised this was my true calling,” he recalls.
Although he left formal schooling after matriculation, Manoj followed his passion for wildlife conservation by attending a one-month course at the Bombay Natural History Society in Mumbai in 2006. This led to the creation of his organisation, Naturalists for Rehabilitation of Snakes and Birds (NRSB), in 2007.
Since founding NRSB, Manoj has rescued over 6,000 animals, including wild boars, jackals, leopards, and pregnant deer. “Experience has been my greatest teacher, and every rescue is unique,” he notes.
During flood seasons, Manoj works relentlessly to save animals in peril. His unwavering dedication means that countless animals owe their lives to him, regardless of the time or distance involved in the rescue.
Currently, Assam is grappling with severe flooding, which also affects Kaziranga National Park, home to the iconic one-horned rhinoceroses. As the floodwaters rise, Manoj Gogoi continues his tireless efforts, ensuring the safety of the park’s wildlife and solidifying his legacy as a true hero for Kaziranga’s stranded animals.
