A safe haven for rescued wild animals

Vasudha Zora | NT

Bengaluru: In over two decades of its existence, the People for Animals Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Centre (PfA) here in Kengeri has rescued over 29,829 wild animals from various emergency situations, including accidents and animal cruelty.

Started in 1996, by Namrata Dugar, Alpana Bhartia, Gauri Maini Hira and Arushi Poddar, the centre is a non-profit animal welfare organisation and operates on donations. PfA is accredited by the Karnataka Forest Department, Central Zoo Authority and Animal Welfare Board of India.

The organisation has dealt with cases of illegal slaughtering of camels, ostrich farming, disbanding of elephant training camps, putting a stop to zoo exhibition in Mangalore and many more. Piyush Fernandes, the head caretaker said, “We currently have over 250 newer wild animals, they have been either orphaned or are accident victims, we are provided with leads from the general public and we have 10 fullyequipped ambulances to carry out the rescue missions. Each ambulance is accompanied by trained specialists, site rescuers and volunteers.”

He also added that after the rescue, the recovery process includes analysis by veterinary doctors and medical intervention. After the rehabilitation process, which includes nutritional and recuperative care, the animals are released. But before release they are exposed to natural habitats and a territory planning is done to avoid any humananimal conflict.

The centre is home to rare species such as slender loris (61), python (21), monitor lizard (33), peacock (69), spotted deer (34), turtles and tortoises (6 species and over 350) followed by bats (7 species and 375). The current tally of the animals in the facility is as follows: birds (3,923), mammals (around 4,438), reptiles (10974) and two arachnids. The six-acre facility has cages for secluding animals into blocks, a surgery unit and treatment units.

The facility also operates a cemetery, known as PfA Pet cemetery. The service charge from the cemetery services are used for the treatment and care of the wild animals housed at the centre. According to head caretaker Nawaz Sharif, the monthly expenditure of the facility is up to Rs 9 lakh. Many awareness programmes are being held in schools.

The organisation invites volunteers under various programs such as the Child Ecology Education, Corporate Social Responsibility, Adoption Programmes and Volunteer Programmes. As part of these programmes, experts teach the general public about various methods of rescuing, recovery, rehabilitation and release of wild animals.