Rescues From The Helpline: December 2024

In the final month of 2024 as well, Wildlife SOS performed some of the remarkable rescues of the year. These significant victories signify our mission towards protecting, conserving and rehabilitating the wildlife of our country. While the world was gearing up to welcome a promising new year, Wildlife SOS teams across India were carrying forward their unwavering efforts to rescue animals from difficult situations of distress.

Armed with courage and commitment, Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Units addressed countless challenges posed by urbanisation, harsh winter conditions, and the complexities of human-wildlife conflict. Our teams from Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh successfully rescued a staggering number of 303 animals in December alone.

So, hold on tight as we delve into the unforgettable rescues that marked the end of the year!

Delhi-NCR: A Hub of Urban Wildlife Challenges  

Delhi, where the relentless march of urbanisation encroaches on natural habitats, the Wildlife SOS team accomplished a remarkable feat in December, rescuing 120 animals. Birds comprised the majority of these rescues, totaling up to 71 — of which 38 were pigeons and 13 were kites. As many as 34 mammals, primarily monkeys, were also rescued and released, indicating the tug-of-war between wildlife and humans over territories. Among the 15 reptiles saved were four Indian cobras, seven common Indian wolf snakes, a royal snake, a monitor lizard, a common sand boa and an Indian rock python. These rescued species were carefully relocated to suitable places where they can thrive.

One of the standout moments in December occurred at GRID-India office in Katwaria Sarai, where an Asian palm civet became an unexpected guest, finding itself trapped within a tissue dispenser machine! The alarming scenario engendered a swift response from the dedicated Wildlife SOS team.

With the staff at GRID-India securing the area, the team meticulously extricated the civet. After a thorough examination which deemed it fit, the civet was safely released back into the wild.

Jammu & Kashmir: A Harsh Winter for Birds

The snow-kissed valleys of Jammu & Kashmir are mesmerising enough to make you forget about the dangers animals face on the snowy slopes. While some animals enter deep hibernation during the harsh winter months, the season presents its own formidable challenges, including scarcity of prey as freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall bury food sources for herbivores, forcing predators to follow their prey at lower altitudes closer to human settlements. Scarcity of prey drives several birds of prey in frequent battles to secure their next meal. Aware of these threats, our team remained ever-ready, responding to rescue calls concerning black kites and barn owls.

In the case of the two barn owls—found in a resident’s backyard with torn wings—they had sparred over the same prey they were vying for. Such hunger games lead to injuries that may be life threatening if left unattended.

Wounds sustained by the barn owls rendered them unable to fly. Our rescue team quickly brought these owls to the rescue facility, where they are now receiving care. It’s a grim reminder of how environmental pressures can push even the avians to fight for survival.

Uttar Pradesh: A Mugger Rescue

In December, our Rapid Response Unit in Agra was on its toes, responding to 80 emergency calls throughout the month. Reptile rescues added up to 28, with nine Indian rock pythons being safely relocated after they had ventured into human settlements. These massive, non-venomous serpents were handled with care by our experienced team, who also dispelled the fearful reactions of informers in each case. A total of 39 monkeys were also rescued and released after being declared medically fit.

However, the rescue that truly challenged our skills and expertise was that of the fearsome five-foot-long mugger crocodile in the village of Jasrana Dehat. The mugger that had wandered into this locality found itself within a pothole filled with water, prompting an anxious call by the villagers.

Soon after, with combined efforts of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and Wildlife SOS teams, a daring rescue that lasted an entire hour took place, for which apt rescue gear and a custom-made trap cage were used. Through careful action, the majestic crocodile was brought back to its natural habitat.

Gujarat: The Killer Kites

In Vadodara, the Wildlife SOS team was on high alert, rescuing 99 birds and animals from a variety of situations. Reptiles took the lead here as well, with 32 individuals, including 11 venomous snakes, saved. Among the mammals, six monkeys and five squirrels were saved from urban dangers. Birds in need reached a total of 49, ranging from small sparrows to larger raptors. While winter waves had already gripped the avian population in a doomed sitch, the upcoming Makar Sankranti festival brought with it another life-threatening hurdle — the silver sharp wires or manjha used in flying kites.

Even though the festival was a month away, people had begun soaring bright kites through the open skies, not realising the grave consequences of their actions. Call after call on our helpline number had Wildlife SOS hurrying out to rescue the next bird victim.

In one of the cases that took place in Vadodara, a barn owl was seen hanging from a tree in Kevdabagh’s Jayratana building — its wing gashed by a manjha. Helpless and hurt, the bird was fluttering in agitation till our skillful Rapid Rescue Unit carefully released it and immediately provided treatment at our facility. The owl, carrying the well-wishes of our team, responded to the aid and after a few days, was able to fly into the boundless sky.

Every rescue call reassures us that now, residents are helping us resolve the current issues haunting wildlife that coexists around their localities. It is a realisation that our dream to bring in sensitivity towards animals is not just a dream, but a reality we can achieve together.

Should you ever encounter a wildlife emergency, remember, you have the power to make a difference. Don’t hesitate—pick up the phone and be their voice. Our 24/7 emergency helplines are always ready to spring into action:

• Delhi-NCR: +91-9871963535
• Uttar Pradesh, Agra: +91-9917109666
• Gujarat, Vadodara: +91-9825011117
• Jammu & Kashmir: +91-7006692300, +91-9419778280

Together, let’s create a world where humans and wildlife not only survive, but thrive peacefully side by side.

Feature Image: Wildlife SOS