Meghalaya, June 20 (ANI): Western Hoolock Gibbon, popularly known as Huro in Tura, is amongst the rare species that is found in Nokrek National Park at West Garo hills district. Situated about 40 km from Tura in Silsotchigre, is the Sonja Wildlife Rescue Centre where the western gibbons are under rehabilitation. The centre has been successfully creating awareness among the locals, regarding conservation of the endangered gibbon. Many youth engaged in rehabilitation activities at the centre are undergoing training under different ape activists. Efforts made by the Rescue centre are commendable as there had been little awareness about the apes in Garo hills. It has succeeded in creating much needed attention among locals. Last year, it successfully rehabilitated a pair of gibbons at the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve. Tourists who have been visiting the centre appreciate the efforts made to preserve rare western Hoolock Gibbon. Many researchers and even students from abroad visit the centre to conduct research and study about the rarely found ape. They underline the need for promotion of the centre as the ape itself is an attraction for tourists. At present, there are eight gibbons at the rescue centre. They are given proper care as per the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) norms.
