Recently, we've found ourselves dealing with the aftermath of a disturbing situation: the Forest Department unveiled serious mismanagement and dismal animal welfare standards at a local wildlife facility in Pune. There are 250 animals there including leopards, hyena, jackals, monkeys, chinkaras, vultures, eagles, owls and several other types of birds like parakeets, painted storks and hornbills who are being held in distressing conditions.
Project - Revive 250 Wild: Approximately 150 of them have a good chance of being released and reintroduced back to their natural habitats if intensive rehabilitation care is provided to them. The Forest Department has already rescued and transferred 220 of these animals into the RESQ Wildlife TTC in Bavdhan, Pune. While they have been entrusted to us by the department, and we are determined to do our very best for these animals, this has amplified our responsibility and stretched our resources significantly. The rest of the animals are likely to arrive over the next two months, including the leopards, hyena, jackals, several eagles and owls. With an expanded population to serve and no other facility currently ready to house them, we are compelled to urgently build additional enclosures to house these animals, increase our team of dedicated rehabilitators and multiply our food and care supplies to ensure the proper treatment, nourishment, and recovery of these animals who desperately need help.
RESQ’s mission: Our mission has always been to offer a safe haven and comprehensive care for animals in distress, and we are wholeheartedly committed to doing our best for these new members at RESQ. However, as a charitable trust, our capacity to respond effectively directly depends on the generosity of individuals like you. I have detailed the support we need in the attachment below. Your contributions, regardless of size, can truly make a difference in the lives of these animals and help us continue our vital work.
Appeal: In the face of this adversity, we appeal to your kindness and compassion. We would greatly appreciate any support or help you can extend at this time. Donations will cover a range of necessities, from medical supplies to food and habitat improvement for these animals to recover. Many of these, who still stand a good chance, will be reintroduced back to the wild but some, who have been debilitated or deemed unfit for return, will need to be provided long-term rehabilitation care.
Our duty to protect and nurture these animals is shared by everyone who values the well-being and survival of wildlife. Every act of kindness counts, and together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these animals who deserve a second chance.
Annexure 1: Images of some of the animals who have already arrived at RESQ CT, Bavdhan, Pune and the care we are providing to them.
Annexure 2: Donation or in-kind support we require for Project ‘Revive 250 Wild’ for these animals in need of urgent help.