As the Capital witnesses a surge in temperature, wildlife rescue teams are finding exhausted and dehydrated birds and animals across the city. This month alone Wildlife SOS has rescued five kites from places like Indian Habitat Centre, Jor Bagh, Delhi Cantonment, Central Secretariat and Vasant Kunj.
“The birds were suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration due to the rising temperature. We have rescued a few pigeons and crows too,” said a release issued by Wildlife SOS.
Earlier this week, the group rescued a black kite after it collapsed on the Magenta Line metro track due to heat exhaustion and dehydration. The bird was kept under observation for a few hours and later released back into the wild.
Narrow escape
“With mercury touching 40 degrees Celsius mark, the summer heat has already started taking a toll on animals, including the avian population. On Wednesday night, a black kite escaped a narrow brush with death after collapsing on the metro tracks running between Botanical Garden and Okhla Bird Sanctuary metro station,” said the release.
According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officials, a train operator saw the bird stranded on the tracks.
Knowing that it was in danger, the metro authorities immediately contacted Wildlife SOS on their 24-hour helpline (+91-9871963535) seeking their assistance.
Released into wild
Metro services on the Magenta Line (part of the Delhi Metro Phase 3) were halted for about 30 minutes while two Wildlife SOS rescuers carried out the rescue operation. The bird kept under observation for a few hours and was released back into its natural habitat post recovery.
Over the years, Wildlife SOS has carried out several rescue operations at various metro stations across Delhi-NCR. Last year, the NGO rescued an Indian Cormorant which was caught in a similar situation at Kalindi Kunj Metro station.
Wasim Akram, deputy director-special projects, Wildlife SOS, said “We are grateful to the DMRC authorities for their cooperation. This indicates a high level of compassion on their part and sets an example for many others to follow. There has been an increase in the number of birds being affected by the heat and this is bound to escalate in the months to come.”
How to help them?
“Delhiites can do their bit for the animals and birds by putting out earthen water bowls and food in their balconies, window sills, outside residential complexes and shops,” said Mr. Akram.
“Raptors such as kites fly at higher altitudes and are affected the most . While descending in search of prey or water, they collapse on the ground due to dehydration, heat exhaustion and lack of shade,” noted the release.
