Hyderabad: Over the past ten months, from April 2024 to January 2025, the Nehru Zoological Park has received 117 rescued animals and birds, including sloth bears, leopards, spotted deer and various birds.They are being transferred to the zoo for medical care and shelter after being rescued by forest officials, anti-poaching squads and the public, said the officials.Among the most notable cases, a sloth bear cub was rescued from the Amrabad forest region, where limited rehabilitation facilities necessitated its transfer to the zoo. Similarly, an injured Indian peafowl was handed over by the Telangana anti-poaching squad and 80 Alexandrine parakeets were rescued from illegal captivity and transferred to the zoo by a forest officer from Hyderabad Central.One of the most common rescue cases involved birds entangled in synthetic manja (kite string), a recurring hazard in urban areas. Black kites, Indian rollers and Alexandrine parakeets were among those affected, with some sustaining permanent disabilities due to severe injuries. Officials noted that over 200 birds are saved every year in zoo rehabilitation, and the numbers remain high due to ongoing threats such as illegal pet trade, habitat loss and urban hazards.The zoo authorities, in collaboration with wildlife conservation groups, have been actively rehabilitating rescued animals and releasing them back into the wild whenever possible. However, those with permanent injuries or requiring prolonged medical attention remain in the zoo for their safety. “The forest department has successfully rescued a panther and a sloth bear in recent months. Most of these animals were treated and released back into the wild, while some remain under rehabilitation,” veterinarian Dr M.A. Hakeem from the zoo park said.According to officials, the panther was rescued from an airport and had minor head bruises. It received treatment and was later released into the Amaravathi Tiger Reserve following approval from the Chief Wildlife Warden. The sloth bear, a two-month-old cub from Jangaon, was found too young to survive in the wild and has been placed under special care at the rehabilitation center.Among the rescued animals, peacocks and other birds often arrive with injuries, commonly caused by dog attacks or accidents. They receive medical care at the rehab center before being released. Recently, 81 parakeets were rescued, with most recovering well. However, two chicks did not survive due to their weak condition. The surviving birds will be released once they develop full plumage.Officials explained that most animals remain in rehabilitation for a short period, usually 10 days or less, before being reintroduced into their natural habitat. A monkey that was previously attached to a human family was also rescued. Initially refusing to eat due to distress, it has now recovered and will soon be released after official approval.The rehabilitation center has veterinary doctors and emergency caretakers who provide constant care, including temperature-controlled enclosures and hand-feeding for young birds and animals. Officials noted that while most rescues are successful, a small percentage of severely injured animals do not survive.Animals rescued in the past ten months include a sloth bear cub, a panther, two zebra finches, five Indian civet kittens, five black kites (permanently disabled), ten Indian rollers, an Indian peafowl, one red-eared slider turtle, a shikra, 81 Alexandrine parakeets, eight Indian rock pythons and a spotted deer.
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