The Maharashtra Forest Department recently rescued an injured pond heron from Junnar, showcasing a heartwarming tale of compassion and dedication towards wildlife conservation. The bird was brought to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) for treatment by the Wildlife SOS veterinary team. After 15 days of care at the multi-speciality hospital in MLRC, the heron made a remarkable recovery and was released back into the wild.
The journey of the injured pond heron began when it was discovered by the forest department in Junnar, lying by the side of the road in need of urgent medical attention. Thanks to the swift action of the forest department, the heron was promptly brought to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre for treatment under the care of the Wildlife SOS team.
Upon arrival at the rescue centre, the heron underwent a thorough medical examination to assess its condition. The veterinary team conducted various tests, including heartbeat detection and fracture assessment, which revealed a fracture in the bird’s right wing. This marked the beginning of the treatment process, as the heron was placed in isolation in a warm and safe enclosure to allow the fracture to heal properly.
Dr. Avinash Visalkar, Veterinary Officer at Wildlife SOS, shared insights into the treatment process, stating, “We provided a nutritious diet of fish to support and strengthen the heron’s recovery. A follow-up x-ray showed remarkable improvement in the bone structure. After 15 days of thoughtful attention and care, the bird’s wing had recovered.”
The next crucial step was to ensure the heron’s safe return to its natural habitat. The Wildlife SOS team, in collaboration with the forest department, identified a suitable location for the release where the heron could thrive and flourish once again. It was a heartwarming moment as the heron spread its wings and took flight back into the wild, symbolizing a successful recovery journey.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for the heron’s recovery, stating, “When keeping an animal in care, we try to mimic their natural surroundings so that they feel comfortable. Ensuring a safe environment, along with nursing, treatment, and nutrition, is also important in the recovery process.”
Amit Bhise, Assistant Conservator of Forests in the Junnar Division, expressed his delight at the heron’s positive recovery and successful release back into the wild. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of the forest department and Wildlife SOS in providing essential care to injured wildlife, emphasizing the impact of the multi-speciality hospital established in 2022 for saving the lives of numerous wild animals.
The heartwarming story of the injured pond heron’s recovery serves as a testament to the dedication and commitment of wildlife conservation organizations like Wildlife SOS and the Maharashtra Forest Department. Through their collaborative efforts and compassionate care, injured wildlife finds a second chance at life in their natural habitats, reaffirming the importance of conservation efforts in preserving our delicate ecosystem.