Nearly 1500 animals rescued across Agra in 2024

Wildlife SOS successfully rescued nearly 1,500 wild animals across Agra and its neighbouring cities in the year 2024. This achievement highlights the critical role the organisation plays in safeguarding India's wildlife, especially amidst the escalating threats posed by human encroachment due to urbanisation, deforestation, and extreme climatic conditions.

The rapid pace of urbanisation and shrinking forest cover force wild animals to leave their natural habitats in search of shelter, often leading them into urban areas. Also, extreme weather conditions - intense heat waves, cold spells, and heavy monsoon rain further exacerbate this situation. As a result, Wildlife SOS's helplines keep receiving numerous distressed calls about wild animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals in peril. The organisation runs hotlines in Agra, Delhi-NCR, Vadodara and Jammu & Kashmir, along with a dedicated elephant rescue helpline.

In collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, Wildlife SOS conducted multiple rescue operations across Agra and its nearby cities in 2024.

Among the rescued animals, an impressive 717 reptiles were brought to safety, including a remarkable 55-kg python rescued in Agra. Other notable reptilian rescues included 25 newly hatched python hatchlings in Etawah, a 5-foot-long rat snake from Agra Fort, and 9 mugger crocodiles. A diverse range of reptiles, such as 139 common wolf snakes, 156 Indian rat snakes, 115 Indian rock pythons, 123 spectacled cobras, and 78 Bengal monitor lizards, were also rescued during the year.

In addition to reptiles, nearly 500 mammals were saved, with a significant number among them being rhesus macaques. This also included the release of a leopard in April 2024, which was under the care of Wildlife SOS for approximately eight months, and the rescue of a rare porcupine from near railway tracks. The organisation also rescued more than 250 birds, including 128 Indian peafowls, further demonstrating its unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife in the region.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS said that this success wouldn't have been possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated team, volunteers, and strong collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.

"They will continue efforts to not only rescue and rehabilitate animals but also to advocate for the preservation of their natural habitats and to raise awareness about the importance of coexisting with wildlife", added Baiju Raj MV, Director of Conservation Projects for Wildlife SOS.

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