Mumbai: Cyclone Tauktae kept animal rescuers busy, too

A rescued squirrel

Cyclone Tauktae affected not just people and trees, but also wild animals whose houses were destroyed by the strong winds and flooding. Many such animals were rescued by city NGOs.

According to NGOs engaged in the rescue of animals, many snakes and pythons were rescued from people's homes, churches and gardens and released in the jungle.

A rescued Checkered Keelback snake

Amma Care Foundation (ACF) and Plant & Animals Welfare Society-Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) rescued more than 60 birds and wild animals between Monday and Tuesday morning.

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ACF founder Sunish Subramanian Kunju said, "We rescued three squirrels from a house in Dheeraj Kiran society, Malad West. They were very scared. We released them after treatment. A Checkered Keelback snake was rescued from the road in Sector 6 of Mira Road, East. The snake was hiding in a corner amid heavy winds. A Russell's Viper snake was rescued from a lawn at New Link Road, Borivli and a rat snake was rescued from Kora Kendra."

150-200 calls
Over two days, ACF received 150-200 calls for the rescue of birds and wild animals. Many birds fell from their nests amid strong winds.

Two rescued Magpie Robins

"Two Magpie Robins we found inside a bungalow at Vaishali Nagar, one sunbird was found in Saibaba Nagar Chawl and two squirrels were found in a building at Mantan Pada Road, Borivli West. Near Malvani chawl, Malad West, a Spectacled Cobra was found in the kitchen of a residence and one Checkered Keelback snake was found in a garden at Shivaji Complex, Dahisar and one at Poonam Garden society, Mira Road East," Kunju said.

The NGO had put out pleas to not harm the exposed animals and contact rescuers for help.