bengal-safari-park-loses-lone-rhino-called-bhim

Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri in north Bengal has suffered another major loss with the death of its only rhinoceros, Bhim, bringing operations of the park’s Rhino Safari to a halt. The passing of the long-time resident comes shortly after the death of Lakshmi, a trained kunki elephant, deepening a sense of grief among park staffs.

 

Bengal Safari Park has long Kolbeen one of the region’s main tourist attractions, and Bhim stood at the heart of its appeal. According to the park authorities, the rhinoceros died, marking the end of a decade-long presence that had become synonymous with the park itself. His absence has left both officials and visitors mourning the loss of a familiar and iconic figure.

 

Bhim’s journey to the park was as remarkable as his life there. Originally known as Kanhela, the rhino had strayed from his territory in the Baikunthapur forests of Jalpaiguri following a territorial conflict. He wandered along the banks of the Teesta River before reaching Sevoke, within the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. It was then that the Forest Department intervened, rescuing and relocating him to the safari park, where he was renamed Bhim.

 

In his early years at the park, Bhim retained a wild temperament and made several attempts to break free from his enclosure. Over time, however, he became a major attraction, drawing visitors from across the region. To enhance the tourist experience, park authorities had even introduced a dedicated Rhino Safari centered around him. Efforts were also made to find a female companion for Bhim, but these attempts did not succeed.

 

Park authorities have attributed Bhim’s death to old age. Park director E. Vijay Kumar said that the animal had reached an advanced stage in life and that his passing was natural. A post-mortem examination has been conducted as per protocol, and the report has been submitted to higher zoo authorities. His final rites were carried out in the presence of Forest Department officials.

 

For ten years, Bhim was more than just an animal resident—he was the face of Bengal Safari Park and a symbol of wildlife tourism in North Bengal. With his death, the park not only loses a key attraction but also a significant part of its identity.

 

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