Endangered Egyptian vulture rescued
An Egyptian vulture was found in a semi-conscious state outside a house in sector-26, Noida. The large bird was rescued by the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit and is currently under observation.
The NGO also rescued an injured Indian Rat snake from St. Martin’s Diocesan School in Delhi Cantt.
A family residing in Sector-26, Noida was shocked to find a vulture lying in a semi-conscious state outside their house, earlier this week. Worried for its well-being, they contacted Wildlife SOS on their 24-Hour helpline number (+91-9917109666).
A two-member rescue team was immediately dispatched by the NGO which provides animal ambulance services to wild animals in distress across Delhi NCR. Upon arrival, they confirmed that the bird was a juvenile Egyptian vulture. This species is one of the smallest amongst all the vultures and is classified as a globally endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
The rescuers carefully shifted the distressed bird to a transport container and rushed to their recovery facility. A detailed examination was conducted by Wildlife SOS veterinarians and the bird was given oral rehydration solution and glucose to regain its strength. The vulture is currently undergoing treatment and care and will be released back into its natural habitat on full recovery.
Dr. Saurabh Choudhry, the person who called Wildlife SOS said: “We moved the helpless vulture into our house to protect it from stray cats in the neighbourhood. Thankfully, we came across the Wildlife SOS helpline number and called them for help.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-Founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said: “This species is rarely spotted in Delhi but in recent years there have been reported sightings near the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Asola Bhatti, Sanjay Van and Aravalli Biodiversity Park. The Egyptian Vulture plays an integral role in our ecosystem.”
Wasim Akram, Deputy Director-Special Projects for Wildlife SOS, said: “Juvenile Egyptian vultures take small flights, often stopping for rest in safe areas devoid of predators. This particular vulture was unable to take flight due to severe dehydration. Our team has placed the vulture under mandated medical observation to ensure it recuperates safely.”
In another incident, the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit rescued an Indian Rat snake with a tail injury from St. Martin’s Diocesan School in Delhi Cantt. The snake is currently undergoing treatment and care.
