Wildlife SOS’s Rapid Response Units operate tirelessly to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, rescuing distressed animals and ensuring their safe return to their natural habitat. The first month of the new year brought with it several calls on our 24×7 helplines that resulted in multiple rescue operations. From reptiles seeking shelter in urban spaces to injured mammals in need of urgent medical attention, our dedicated teams responded swiftly to situations reported by concerned citizens.
Delhi-NCR
Urban expansion often forces wildlife into close proximity with human settlements, leading to an increase in conflict situations. One such incident occurred at the GRID India office in Delhi’s Katwaria Sarai, where an Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) took refuge inside a tissue dispenser machine. Responding promptly, the Wildlife SOS rapid rescue team carefully assessed the situation before safely extricating the frightened animal. A post-rescue health examination confirmed that the civet was unharmed, allowing for its timely release back into the wild.
Another significant rescue unfolded when the helpline received a call about an adult common sand boa sighted in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. Our trained rescuers successfully secured the non-venomous snake before releasing it into a suitable habitat.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Increasing awareness among citizens has led the Rapid Rescue Unit in Uttar Pradesh to respond to calls concerning animals in distress. The year began with a call from Renuka Dham in Runkata regarding an injured golden jackal found unconscious on the roadside. It was suspected that the jackal had been hit by a moving vehicle, leaving its hindlegs paralysed. Our rescue team swiftly transported the distressed animal to our treatment facility, where it was under medical supervision. The jackal responded to the care and recovered in a week, and once it was declared fit, it was successfully released back into the wild.
Jammu & Kashmir
As the cold intensified across Kashmir, many animals reduced their activity, leading to a slight decline in rescue calls. However, our J&K rescue team remained active, ready to address any urgent situation.
A call concerning a common wolf snakelet came in from Srinagar’s Parimpora Mandi, a major hub where cargo and goods vehicles from across the country arrive to unload. With shipments coming from various regions, reptiles sometimes inadvertently crawl into the vehicles and are often discovered during the unloading. The Rapid Response Unit, led by Ms. Aaliya Mir, Education Officer & Programme Head at Wildlife SOS in Jammu & Kashmir, swiftly rescued the snakelet and safely released it in its suitable habitat.
Vadodara, Gujarat
In western India, the Wildlife SOS-GSPCA (Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) team worked relentlessly to handle a surge in bird rescue calls. January marks the celebration of Makar Sankranti, a festival during which bird casualties are at its peak due to rampant kite-flying. The team rescued 149 birds in this month that primarily included those injured due to sharp glass-coated strings (manjha) of the kites.
January also saw a significant anti-trafficking effort in Vadodara where the Wildlife SOS-GSPCA team, in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department, conducted a covert operation to bust an illegal wildlife trade. Operating undercover, the team posed as potential buyers to strike a deal with a trafficker involved in the sale of monitor lizard hemipenes, which are often falsely marketed as the hatha jodi plant that is believed to bring prosperity.
Raids and rescues reflect the ongoing efforts of Wildlife SOS to protect vulnerable wildlife. As per our protocol, all animals saved from human populated spaces are medically examined by our veterinarians before they are safely released back to their natural habitats. To ensure timely response in case you spot wildlife in distress, reach out to Wildlife SOS that operates 24×7 emergency rescue helplines across four regions:
Delhi-NCR – +91-9871963535
Agra, Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) – +91-9917109666
Vadodara (Gujarat) – +91-9825011117
Jammu & Kashmir – +91-7006692300, +91-9419778280
