In a world where wildlife and humans cross each other increasingly, moments when compassion, sympathy and empathy bridge the gap between conflict and coexistence are truly worth celebrating. Wildlife SOS has once again demonstrated the life-changing potential of rescue, rehabilitation, and release by reintroducing vulnerable wild animals to their natural habitats. From bustling offices in Delhi to tranquil farms in Mathura, each animal rescued reminds us that every life saved enriches the wild tapestry of our planet.
- When distress calls come in, the Wildlife SOS team is always swift and ready to act, ensuring prompt rescue and care for animals in need. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Atharva Pacharne]
Here are the unforgettable stories of second chances that unfolded in the month of April 2025:
Delhi-NCR
Among the many urban wildlife rescues in April was one that occurred in the Upper Ridge Road office of White Line Airways in Delhi. Staff had come across an unfamiliar guest coiled in the back of a cabin. Caught unawares, but quick to act, staff alerted the Wildlife SOS emergency help centre, launching the rescue team into action.
- Thanks to timely information given to the Wildlife SOS team, a black-headed royal snake found at White Line Airways was safely rescued. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Kunal Malhotra]
When our team members arrived on the spot, the serpent was quickly identified as the harmless black-headed royal snake (Spalerosophis atriceps), which was quite calm but alert. With caution and expertise, the two-foot-long royal snake was safely captured in a professional snake bag. After the reptile had been closely monitored to determine if it was injured in any way, it was released into a safe, natural environment, where it slithered swiftly into the bushes, disappearing into the wild where it belonged. These moments remind us that in these unexpected encounters, swift action can ensure that a wild heart continues to beat freely under the open sky. Our Delhi-NCR Rapid Response Unit team responded to 180 rescue calls in April, helping 32 mammals, 27 reptiles, and 121 birds, which included black kites, barbets, mynas and crows that were affected by thunderstorms that recurred during the month.
- After conducting a careful rescue, the black-headed royal snake was safely released back into the wild. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Kunal Malhotra]
Uttar Pradesh
April was an intense and eventful month for the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit in Agra. The team responded to numerous distress calls across urban and rural areas. With support from the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and vigilant residents, many wildlife species were saved and replaced in their natural habitats. Here are some of the month’s most gripping and memorable rescues:
A scene straight out of a thriller movie unfolded in Madhipur village, Firozabad, when a massive mugger crocodile was seen wandering across agricultural fields, leaving villagers in panic. The local forest department, with support from Wildlife SOS, launched an urgent rescue operation.
- In Madhipur village, a massive six-foot-long mugger crocodile was carefully secured after anxious residents reported its presence. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Atharva Pacharne]
Equipped with a trap cage and rescue gear, a three-man team of Wildlife SOS operators gingerly moved in on the six-foot-long reptile. The procedure was nerve-wracking and painstaking, and it took more than two hours to fasten the crocodile securely. After being evaluated for health and fitness, the reptile was let loose into a nearby freshwater environment. The team saw the crocodile sliding under the water with a splash, reclaiming its life as a river dweller.
- After a thorough health evaluation, the mugger crocodile was released into its rightful home. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Atharva Pacharne]
In Mathura’s Ghadi Rosu village, a shocking find created waves in the locality — two small Indian civets had fallen into a 30-foot-deep open borewell. Such incidents usually have a tragic ending for wildlife, but due to the villagers’ and Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit’s prompt response, this tale had a cheerful conclusion.
- In a fortunate turn of events, prompt action by Wildlife SOS and local villagers ensured a safe rescue of two Indian civets from a perilous situation. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Shresatha Pachori]
A two-person rescue team from Wildlife SOS arrived at the scene, evaluated the situation, and crafted a planned rescue. They let down a trap cage into the small shaft while being cautious about the stress put on the animals. Patience and precision prevailed — both the civets were safely removed with no injuries at all. They were observed for a few hours at Wildlife SOS’s transit facility to ensure that they were fit, after which they were set free back in the wild. The two were quick to disappear into the lush environment, living up to their natural skill of being elusive.
- With a clean bill of health, the civets were set free, vanishing into their natural habitat with their wild instincts intact. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Shresatha Pachori]
Near Malikpur village, Agra, a young male spotted deer was cornered by a pack of free-ranging stray dogs. In a bid to get away, the deer ran into the village, being inflicted by several wounds along the way.
- An injured spotted deer was given timely medical care and a chance to regain his strength. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Vineet Singh]
Wildlife SOS, having been tipped off by alarmed villagers and the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, arrived in time. The deer, young, traumatised and bleeding, was safely taken to the Wildlife SOS transit centre, where our veterinarians provided immediate treatment. His wounds were cleaned and dressed, and he remained under care for four days during which he recovered. Now strong enough, the deer was released into a secure, natural environment, where a few mighty leaps propelled him back into the arms of the wilderness.
- Restored to health, the young deer bounded back into the wild. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Vineet Singh]
A family living in Nagla Mahasukh village, which is 50 km from Agra, was left shaken to the core when they spotted a snake crawling inside their house. The snake sought shelter in a corner, curled under the staircase. The family straight away called Wildlife SOS on its round-the-clock emergency wildlife rescue helpline number to save the reptile in distress. The family was instructed to keep a safe distance from the snake and observe its movements to ensure that the reptile did not flee.
- A highly venomous common krait, found curled up within a residence, was safely rescued and released back into the wild. [Photo © Wildlife SOS]
After arriving at the scene, the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit recognised the snake as a common krait, one of India’s Big Four venomous snakes. Our professional rescuer carefully moved towards the snake and gently removed the krait from the site to transfer it into a transportation carrier. Found to be healthy after an on-site examination, the snake was released into the wild.
April kept our Rapid Response Unit in Agra on its toes, with a total of 78 animals rescued. Among the 31 birds attended to, peafowl led the count with 13 rescues. Mammal rescues reached 30, with rhesus macaques topping the list at 11. Reptile rescues stood at 17, including seven Indian rat snakes that found help just in time.
Gujarat
In April, the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit in Vadodara responded to several rescue calls, with snakes and birds making up the majority of animals in distress. Among the many rescues this month were two involving non-venomous snakes that had strayed into residential spaces. At Shrihari Residency on Sun Pharma Road, a wolf snake caused concern among residents after it was spotted inside an apartment. In another incident, a common trinket snake was found at a house in Manjalpur. In both cases, the snakes were carefully rescued by our team and released into appropriate natural habitats.
- The common trinket snake (L) was rescued from a home in Manjalpur, while the wolf snake (R) was safely removed from an apartment at Shrihari Residency on Sun Pharma Road. [Photo © Wildlife SOS]
These rescues highlight the increasing frequency of human-wildlife interactions during the warmer months, as reptiles seek shaded or cool areas for refuge. In order to continue their vital work to protect urban wildlife and promote peaceful coexistence, our Vadodara team rescued 74 birds, 15 reptiles, and 12 mammals in April, rescuing a total of 100 animals in the month.
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)
April saw our Rapid Response Unit in J&K come to the aid of 18 wild animals, a mix of birds and reptiles that found themselves in vulnerable situations across the Valley. Among reptiles, Indian rat snakes led the count with nine rescues, followed by four Levantine vipers and two Himalayan trinket snakes. One of the most striking rescues took place during a tense period following a militant attack in Pahalgam. While Jammu & Kashmir was still reeling from the shock and fear that gripped the region, our rescue team remained dedicated to save animals in distress. A call concerning a large Indian rat snake came in after it was found dangerously close to Srinagar Airport, one of the most high-security zones in the region. Despite the challenges, our team reached the spot and carefully secured the snake, ensuring it was later released into a safe natural habitat.
- This Indian rat snake was found alarmingly close to the Srinagar Airport when J&K came under the spotlight for experiencing a militant attack at Pahalgam’s tourist destination. [Photo © Wildlife SOS]
The bird rescues included three black kites, each in need of care after suspected mid-air injuries, a common occurrence during spring as birds compete for territory and food. Even in the face of unrest, our team remains committed to responding swiftly and compassionately to wildlife in distress, proving that care for the wild knows no pause, even during the toughest of times.
In response to every call for help and with unmatched expertise, Wildlife SOS is a shining hope for snakes entangled in urban jungles, crocodiles exploring farmland, civets ensnared by human-made developments, and deer hounded by changing landscapes. These incredible rescues remind us that we can coexist peacefully with animals if concern leads to making urgent calls to wildlife organisations or forest officials. If you happen to come across a wild animal in a crisis, remember that your prompt action could save a life. Reach out to Wildlife SOS’s 24-hour emergency rescue helpline, available in four regions, and become a part of a life-saving tale:
Delhi-NCR – +91-9871963535
Agra & Mathura in Uttar Pradesh – +91-9917109666
Vadodara, Gujarat – +91-9825011117
Jammu & Kashmir – +91-7006692300, +91-9419778280
Feature image: Wildlife SOS/ Atharva Pacharne
