On October 17, 2024, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) held its 24th annual Animal Action Awards in London, recognising remarkable individuals dedicated to animal conservation. Among the honorees were Dia Mirza Rekhi, WTI’s Ambassador, and Dr. Panjit Basumatary, Manager and Head of the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC).

Dia Mirza Rekhi

Actor, producer, eco-entrepreneur,  UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador & United Nations Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals,  Dia Mirza Rekhi received the prestigious ‘Wildlife Advocate of the Year Award’ for her impactful contributions to wildlife conservation in India.

As an ambassador for WTI, Dia has been actively involved in numerous campaigns such as Gaj Yatra, which aims to raise awareness about elephant corridors and their critical right of passage in India.

Dia has been an Ambassador for the Wildlife Trust of India since 2017| Photo (c) WTI

She has also highlighted WTI’s vital work in rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhino calves in Kaziranga, Assam, showcasing her commitment to protecting these magnificent species. As a founding member of WTI’s Club Nature initiative, she has supported various wildlife conservation efforts over the years.

Dia stated, “As an ambassador of the Wildlife Trust of India, I got an invaluable opportunity to learn, to travel wider and farther and engage with wildlife and people who work on the ground. I also learnt about the daily challenges faced by forest guards in the line of duty. Some of my most profound experiences can be traced back to witnessing wildlife and appreciating the sanctity, power and beauty of the forests. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to celebrate the grit of those who work to protect them and to pay tribute to their courage through my work.”

Dia Mirza with the recipients of the 24th Animal Action Awards 2024 in London| Photo (c) IFAW

Dr. Panjit Basumatary

Dr. Panjit Basumatary, Manager and Head of the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) in Pakke Tiger Reserve, has been with WTI for 14 years, working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and release distressed and injured wild animals. His early experiences in the lush forests of rural Assam ignited his passion for conservation.

Dr. Panjit Basumatary has played a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of numerous animals, including rhino calves.

Throughout his career, he has attended to around 3,000 individual wild animals across more than 250 species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. His efforts have included hand-raising and rehabilitating animals including 26 orphaned Greater one-horned rhino calves at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga and over 60 Asiatic black bear cubs back at CBRC. Additionally, Dr. Panjit has published multiple scientific papers on issues related to the rehabilitation and release of wild animals.

Driven by the knowledge that his efforts positively impact the lives of animals, Dr Panjit finds profound fulfilment in his work. “One of my most cherished memories is successfully treating an injured golden langur and releasing it back into the wild,” he shared. “It is our responsibility as humans to protect and care for animals by understanding their needs, respecting their habitats, and fostering a harmonious world for all living beings.”

Dr Panjit and a vet team conducting Orthopaedic surgery on an injured Chinese pangolin in Arunachal Pradesh