Black Kites saved from storm’s wrath in Delhi.
As the storm struck Delhi a few days ago, it wasn’t only the residents who felt the heat — the winged inhabitants, including Black Kites, also bore the brunt. Several cases of nests being collapsed and grounded fledglings, to drenched adults unable to take flight, and birds trapped in fallen branches, were reported from across the national Capital.
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Amid the chaos, residents became silent heroes, sparking a city-wide effort to save the stricken birds. Co-founder and Secretary, Wildlife SOS, Geeta Seshamani, said: “In times of disaster, it’s not only infrastructure that suffers, wildlife too is deeply impacted. Through these rescues we can ensure that these birds are not forgotten casualties of the storm.”
And she is right as the Capital’s skyline bore witness to the havoc inflicted on its birds. Following the storm, the city’s emergency wildlife holtine got busy with NGOs working for animal welfare receiving an overwhelming number of distress rescue calls from concerned citizens who spotted black kites in grave danger.
In the quiet hours of the early morning, residents of Delhi awoke to a city unsettled by a sudden and powerful storm. Amidst fallen trees, debris-scattered roads, and disrupted power lines, the most silent victims of this tempest were the birds of the skies – particularly the resilient yet vulnerable black kites.
Joyoti Banerji, a resident who reported a black kite rescue in CR Park, said: “We found a weakened black kite near our gate, and a family member shared Wildlife SOS’s helpline number with me. I called immediately, and a rescuer arrived swiftly, handling the bird with care and compassion. It was truly heartening to witness such a prompt and gentle rescue.”
Responding with urgency and compassion, Wildlife SOS teams were mobilised across Delhi to conduct swift and safe rescues. Black kites were found in a weakened state, showing possible signs of distress, which left many unable to fly. Rescue operations were carried out in multiple locations, including Panchsheel Enclave, CR Park, Greater Kailash, and many more, said Wildlife SOS.
The organisation continues to provide critical care and rehabilitation to affected black kites at its rescue facility, working closely with veterinary experts to ensure their safe recovery.
Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS, Kartick Satyanarayan, said: “Wildlife SOS appeals to the residents of Delhi to remain vigilant during turbulent weather conditions and to report any injured or distressed animals immediately at Wildlife SOS Delhi Helpline number : +91 9871963535.”
This is not the first time that Wildlife SOS has swung into action. The organisation has consistently been at the forefront of providing timely relief to birds and animals in distress.
In Okhla as well, residents reported seeing several birds in distress after the storm, which rattled both people and animals alike. Pappu Ali, a local bird watcher, said he rescued a pigeon that had been injured by the impact of the storm.
“When I got up in the morning, I saw a drenched adult pigeon on the balcony. It was unable to fly. I rescued it and made it comfortable, and it stayed there for a few hours before flying away. I also offered food to it,” he said.
