Latest news with #WildlifeSOS
The Guardian
6 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Week in wildlife: an orphaned sloth bear, swimming hippos and cheeky New Forest donkeys
A red kite glides on thermal updraughts on a hot day in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK Photograph: Paul Marriott/Shutterstock Birds perch on the antlers of a deer in Bushy Park, London, UK Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Jenny, a five-month-old female sloth bear cub, was found clinging to her injured mother, believed to have been the victim of human-wildlife conflict in Shahdol, India. Despite efforts to save her, the mother died, and Jenny was sent to the Agra bear rescue facility, showing signs of severe stress and digestive issues. She is now housed in a specially designed cub-weaning area, receiving a custom diet of milk formula and around-the-clock care. As she begins to heal, Jenny is slowly becoming more active and gaining weight Photograph: International Animal Rescue and Wildlife SOS A heath fritillary butterfly. One of the UK's rarest butterflies is seeing a significant rise in numbers and range on Exmoor. More than 1,000 heath fritillaries have been recorded so far this year on the National Trust's Holnicote estate in Somerset. This is a significant rise from about 600 at the same time last year Photograph: Matthew Oates/PA Hippos swim in Dulahazara safari park, Bangladesh Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images A gull strikes a pose in Lowestoft, Suffolk – just one of the UK towns struggling with the issue of gulls, particularly kittiwakes, that nest, steal food and leave abundant droppings throughout residential areas Photograph: Ali Smith/The Guardian Fincare routine … killer whales have been observed mutually grooming each other with a type of seaweed, the first known instance of a marine animal using tools in a way that was previously thought to be the preserve of primates such as humans. The behaviour, called 'allokelping', was observed off the coast of Washington state, US, where one whale would bite off a chunk of kelp and roll it between its body and another's, as a kind of exfoliating scrub Photograph: Center for Whale Research/Reuters Wild yılkı horses graze around the grass-covered crater of Mount Karadağ, southern Turkey Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Donkeys are caught breaking into the food recycling bins in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK. The council's move to introduce food waste bins has provoked a backlash, as some of the New Forest's 200 free-roaming donkeys have quickly learned to knock over the bins and feast on their contents. 'This is exactly what we thought would happen and I think it is only going to get worse,' said a resident Photograph: Solent News & Photo Agency A European green lizard drinks water near Csobánka, northern Hungary Photograph: Attila Kovács/EPA A group of raccoons come out after dark in Kassel, Germany. There are thousands of raccoons in the city, and while many in the city have embraced the animal, the EU classes it as an invasive species and ecologists are divided about what to do next Photograph: David Hup Sambar deer in an enclosure before being released in Khlong Lan national park, Thailand. The species is classed as vulnerable, but, in an unfortunate turn of events, these particular deer are being used to support Thailand's wild tiger population, which needs prey: there are only about 200 endangered tigers left in the area Photograph: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images A bear is caught on a hunter's camera calmly feasting on bait in Pabradė, Lithuania Photograph: Paulius Peciulis/AP A baby macaque clings to its mother for safety at Dulhazara safari park, Bangladesh Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Four American white pelicans visit a pond in a public park in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Photograph: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock A gull gets a bird eye's view of Ann Li of the US playing Britain's Emma Raducanu at the Rothesay international tennis tournament in Eastbourne, UK Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images A dolphin leaps through the waters of the Strait of Hormuz in Oman's northern Musandam peninsula Photograph: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images A turtle is released into the sea in Valencia, Spain, to the delight of its assembled fans Photograph: Kai Forsterling/EPA A Eurasian hoopoe flies in Bursa, Turkey Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images A rabbit forages at sunrise in Bushy park, London, UK Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images A bear cools off with a dip and a fruity snack at a rehabilitation centre near Bursa, Turkey Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Puffins in action on the Farne islands, Northumberland, UK Photograph: Jane Hobson/Shutterstock
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Monsoon slither alert! What to do if you spot snake, monitor lizard, or other reptiles? Here's help for Delhi residents
As the monsoon approaches Delhi-NCR, residents must prepare for more than just essentials like umbrellas. The rains often bring some unexpected visitors with them — reptiles. 'On Wednesday, I was in my kitchen when I saw a snake crawling at the window pane, trying to enter the house,' says Anisha Agarwal, a resident of sector 65, Gurugram. She adds, 'My kids were with me and it was spine-chilling to think how it could have harmed them had I not raised an alarm. Luckily, the snake turned out to be non-venomous. But I have become cautious, and am looking for some awareness to educate my family and neighbours so no one is attacked.' Kartik Satyanarayan from Wildlife SOS notes that every monsoon, the non-profit's Rapid Response Unit receives frequent snake rescue calls across the city. He adds, 'As rain floods the natural hideouts of these creatures — burrows, sewers, cracks in walls — they look for dry, warm spaces, which sometimes leads them into homes of humans.' Experts say spotting a reptile can be alarming, but knowing if it's venomous or not can provide clarity and calm. 'Just because you see a snake doesn't mean you are in immediate danger,' says Jose Louies from Wildlife Trust of India, adding, 'The most important part is to be able to identify the snake. One can do this by uploading a picture to an app called Serpent.' Jose says most reptiles spotted in homes — like rat snakes, wolf snakes or monitor lizards — are non-venomous, and should be left alone so they can find their way out. He adds, 'If it's venomous then immediately contact a professional rescuer. Don't try to handle or kill it as most bites happen because of that.'
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Heatwave affects urban wildlife in new delhi causing rise in rescues and dehydration cases
New Delhi: The severe heat and high humidity has also affected birds and animals, not merely humans. Veterinary hospitals and animal welfare organisations reported numerous instances of dehydrated birds and urban wildlife from hornbills to fruit bats. "The past few days saw a heatwave that affected wild animals in the city. Our dedicated team rescued birds, snakes, and mammals, with birds being more gravely affected by the heat," said Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of animal rescue organisation Wildlife SOS. "Some of the species we rescued were barbet, black kite, pigeon, sparrow, myna, Indian grey hornbill, rhesus macaque, spectacled cobra, Indian wolf snake, even a bat. Black kites were most severely impacted as they tend to fly at higher altitudes in search of prey. This causes many of them to suffer heat stroke and dehydration." According to Muhammad Saud of animal service Wildlife Rescue, at least 150 birds were brought to the centre at Wazirabad by people who found them on the road gasping for air and clearly thirsty. Most of these were fledglings and nestlings, he said. The species rescued included crescent serpent eagles, barn owls, pond herons, buzzards, black kites, etc. "Throughout May, the weather was pleasant, unlike other years, and in June, within a week, everything flipped," said Saud. "In the past week, we tended to at least 150 birds. The cases spiked in the last four days, most being cases dehydration. This is breeding time and such cases occur a lot. People even reported that they saw birds crashing on the ground. We received around eight eagles and one Honey Buzzard. Among barn owls, most of the cases pertained to young chicks who had fallen off the nest. We rescue them, raise them and release them in the jungles at Kamla Nehru Ridge or Gandhi Mandu forest." Forest officials claimed the department was maintaining additional water sources at Asola for wildlife to cope with the extreme temperatures. "We clean the waterholes because during summer water needs to be replaced quickly. Two additional historic ponds were also refurbished. There are over 200 watering holes in Asola," said a forest official. In April and May, when the city saw sporadic episodes of extreme heat, nilgai were regularly spotted venturing from the Ridge in search of water. This prompted lieutenant governor VK Saxena to order DDA to create watering holes in the Ridge and city forests to provide animal relief. Several volunteers also reported that street dogs had become victims of the heat, some even succumbing to heatstroke. Several dog feeding points across the city are regularly resupplied with water by the volunteers. Besides, thunderstorms also impact wildlife. A strong storm on May 2 killed 200 birds in northwest Delhi alone. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
NDTV
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
6 Unforgettable Wildlife Adventures In India That Kids Will Talk About For Years
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. India offers exciting wildlife adventures for famillies, from tracking Bengal tigers in Ranthambhore to dolphin watching in Goa. Kids here can engage with nature through hands-on experiences, fostering education, and connection with animals. India isn't just about colourful cities and ancient monuments — it's also packed with incredible wildlife adventures perfect for families. Whether it's spotting Bengal tigers in the jungle, watching dolphins in Goa, or feeding rescued elephants near Delhi, there are plenty of ways to get kids excited about nature. These experiences are not only fun but also educational, giving children a chance to connect with animals and the environment in a hands-on way. If you're looking for a trip that's screen-free and full of wow moments, here are six wildlife experiences in India that your kids will absolutely love. Here Are 6 Wildlife Experiences In India That Are Perfect For The Young Ones: 1. Track Tigers At Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan If your child is obsessed with The Jungle Book, this one's a winner. Ranthambhore National Park, located in eastern Rajasthan, is one of the best places in the world to spot wild Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. The park has a high density of tigers — currently around 80 according to the Forest Department (as of early 2024) — which makes sightings more likely, even on a short safari. The guided jeep safaris are well organised, and the best times for tiger sightings are from October to April. The dramatic ruins of Ranthambhore Fort inside the park only add to the sense of adventure. Best age group: 6+ Tip: Book safaris in advance, especially during holidays — they sell out quickly. 2. Visit The Elephant Conservation And Care Centre In Mathura About a three-hour drive from Delhi, this sanctuary run by Wildlife SOS is a peaceful retreat for rescued elephants. Kids can meet gentle giants that have been saved from circuses and temples, and learn about animal welfare in a way that's easy to understand. There's no elephant riding here — which is a good thing. Instead, children can help prepare their food, watch them bathe, and understand the importance of ethical tourism. Best age group: 4+ Tip: Pre-book guided tours — the centre limits visitors to avoid stress to the animals. 3. Go Dolphin Watching In Goa's Chapora River Yes, India has dolphins — and no, you don't have to go to the coast to see them. Hop on a small boat along the Chapora River in North Goa to spot Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. These playful mammals often swim close to the boats, giving kids a close-up look without needing to dive in. This is a more laid-back alternative to ocean tours, especially if you're travelling with younger kids who might not enjoy long boat rides. Best age group: 3+ Tip: Choose ethical operators that don't chase or disturb the dolphins — avoid tours that use loud engines. 4. Join A Junior Naturalist Programme At Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra Tadoba is Maharashtra's oldest national park and has become increasingly popular thanks to its frequent tiger sightings and lush landscapes. What sets it apart? Some lodges around the reserve now offer "junior naturalist" programmes. These sessions teach children how to identify animal tracks, use binoculars properly, and understand forest sounds — basically, everything that will make them feel like the next David Attenborough. Best age group: 7+ Tip: Try staying at one of the eco-lodges like Svasara or Bamboo Forest, which tailor activities for kids. 5. Watch Thousands Of Birds At Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur Photo: Pexels Once a royal duck-hunting reserve, Keoladeo in Rajasthan is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bird-watching haven. During the winter months (November to February), the wetlands attract more than 370 species of birds, including painted storks, kingfishers, and even Siberian cranes. It's flat, easily walkable, and perfect for a child's attention span. You can hire a cycle-rickshaw and spot birds at eye level — no long hikes or sitting still for hours required. Best age group: 5+ Tip: Bring a pair of kid-friendly binoculars to keep little ones engaged. 6. Spot Asiatic Lions In Gir National Park, Gujarat India is the only country in the world where you can see Asiatic lions in the wild, and Gir is their last remaining home. While the numbers are small — around 674 lions as per the 2020 census — sightings are fairly common during the open season (October to mid-June). Gir's jeep safaris are well regulated, and local guides are knowledgeable and great with kids. This is one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences your children will likely remember more than any zoo trip. Best age group: 8+ Tip: Travel between December and March for the best weather and better chances of sightings.
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Parakeet rescued from inside Parliament
A young rose-ringed Parakeet found its way into the Parliament complex on Friday. The bird, disoriented and unable to fly, was rescued by a team of wildlife enthusiasts. The security personnel alerted Wildlife SOS, a wildlife conservation non-profit, which sent its rapid response team to the spot. The bird was found sitting still and exposed, at the risk of injury. Veterinarians assessed the parakeet and found it was suffering from heat stress, which had left it weak and temporarily unable to fly. 'It is currently under close observation and receiving supportive medication to aid its recovery,' said the rescue team. 'A parakeet in Parliament may seem unusual, but it highlights how closely human spaces overlap with wild ones. Every call matters — whether from a city lane or significant institutions,' said Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS. The species is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, due to which it is illegal for sale or to be kept as a pet in India. However, in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list, it is listed as least concern. The bird species is native to Africa and South Asian regions, as per experts. The species, which is a common captive bird, is illegal to be caged as it is a native Indian bird which enjoys protection through the Wildlife Protection Act. Geeta Seshamani, co-founder and secretary of the organisation, added, 'It's amazing how even in the heart of our most guarded and urban spaces, a small bird can remind us of the wild lives we share this country with.' The team carefully captured the parakeet, placing it in a ventilated box designed to protect it from potential injuries or attacks from other animals in the vicinity. The bird was transported to the Wildlife SOS transit facility, for observation and supportive care. The team made sure that the bird remained protected from injuries or attacks by other birds or mammals in the area. It also said in a statement, Friday, 'The species' popularity as a pet and unpopularity with farmers have reduced their numbers in some parts of its native range, and remain major threats to the bird.' 'Our team ensured the rescue was swift and stress-free for the bird,' said Suvidha Bhatnagar, Director of Communications at Wildlife SOS. 'It's currently recuperating well, and we are hopeful it will soon be ready to return to the skies.' Once the parakeet is deemed fit to fly, it will be released into a suitable green space where it can thrive naturally, the team said. 'We have had more than 30 such heat-related bird rescue cases that took place since temperatures started increasing. This mostly happens due to exhaustion or heat stroke, causing dehydration,' said Neel Banerjee, communications officer at Wildlife SOS. Regarding the protocol to rescue bird species, Banerjee added, 'If a bird is found unable to fly or is disoriented, the rescuer first provides drinking water on site to rehydrate the bird.' The bird is later taken to the vet for a health assessment and kept under observation for a minimum of 1-2 days. The birds are then released upon recovery after adequate water and nourishment. 'Black kite, which are birds of prey, are one of the biggest victims of excess heat as they fly at high altitudes. They are vulnerable particularly to the scorching sun because they do this on a daily basis in search of prey.,' said Banerjee.
