Our Rapid Response Units were hard at work in the month of September, rushing to help animals in need. Working round the clock for seven days a week, our teams across four states saved 697 wild animals in September alone.
Many of the rescued include massive crocodiles in agricultural fields, severely injured birds, animals caught in accidents or in human-wildlife conflicts. Timely intervention and medical supervision by Wildlife SOS has granted these distressed animals a second chance at life.
Delhi-NCR
With bustling roads and densely populated areas, India’s capital city is home to thousands of humans and animals alike. However for urban wildlife, concrete jungles form a tricky habitat, as they have to consistently contend with speeding vehicles, electric wires, feral dog attacks, and so much more.
This is where the 24X7 Rapid Response Unit comes in. In the month of September alone, our team rushed to the rescue of different kinds of mammals, birds and reptiles, all stuck in different and difficult situations. Reptiles like royal snakes, rat snakes, red sand boas, and monitor lizards are often sighted in human habitations. In addition, some of the other notable rescues in September involved a nilgai that was attacked by dogs, a green pigeon with an injured foot, and a dehydrated black kite found at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. All these animals underwent a mandatory medical checkup before being released back into the wild. In total, our team saved 212 animals from Delhi-NCR during the month.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
In September, the total number of rescued animals in Agra was 190, including 48 mammals, 20 birds, and 122 reptiles. Among the mammals were 12 nilgai or blue bulls. As habitats become more fragmented, these antelopes enter human-dominated landscapes, becoming prone to feral dog attacks, speeding vehicles, and conflict scenarios.
In September, the Agra-based Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit acted quickly to save four mugger crocodiles from different incidents that occurred in Firozabad, Manpur, and Hathras in Uttar Pradesh. Two of the crocodiles had climbed out of neighbouring water canals, startling the residents. From the remaining two, one had even ventured into a field of crops!
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Among the 18 animals rescued from Jammu and Kashmir, 16 were reptiles. These reptiles ranged from the common rat snake, which has a penchant for entering human habitations in pursuit of their preferred prey, to the rarer venomous Levantine viper that is known for its adaptability to colder climates.
The Jammu and Kashmir Rapid Response Unit, under the leadership of Education Officer and Programme Head Ms. Aaliya Mir, also rushed to the rescue of two distressed avians — a scops owl and a black kite. The Indian scops owl, known for being elusive and nocturnal, often falls victim to superstitious beliefs, and even roadside accidents. However, all animals that were rescued were successfully released after each of them underwent thorough medical attention.
Vadodara, Gujarat
A total of 277 animals were rescued from Vadodara in the month of September, including 104 reptiles, 131 birds, and 42 mammals. Gujarat is home to the Big Four venomous snakes of India, and among all the reptiles rescued, 38 were venomous. Extricating these reptiles is often a complicated challenge, especially when they enter human populated areas. The expert rescuers from our team ensure that no harm comes to the animal or the people nearby.
Additionally, the Wildlife SOS-GSPCA (Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) team joined the Vadodara Wildlife Division to rush and rescue 19 hapless parakeets that were trapped in cages. Despite being protected by law, India’s Psittaciformes are traded illegally and face the danger of lifelong imprisonment as exotic pets.
What to Do After Spotting Wildlife in Distress?
If you have spotted any wild animal in distress or suspect that a helpless being has been kept as an exotic pet, reach out to your nearest animal welfare organisation immediately!
If you are based out of any of our operating cities listed below, reach out to Wildlife SOS’ 24×7 Rapid Response Units:
Delhi-NCR: +91-9871963535
Agra, Uttar Pradesh: +91-9917109666
Vadodara, Gujarat: +91-9825011117
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: +91-7006692300/ +91-9419778280
