Over 700 birds rescued during raid in Delhi’s Jama Masjid market

Wildlife SOS provided medical treatment, fed and rehabilitated these birds. Suneesh Buxy, IFS – Chief Wildlife Warden, Delhi Forest Department said, “Parakeets and Munias are endangered species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, that prohibits the capture and trade of indigenous birds in India. Keeping them in cages without room for flight violates Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Therefore we advise everyone to follow the law and refrain from such actions. We appreciate the quick response of our partners Wildlife SOS in extending assistance to care for the rescued birds.”

More than 730 birds were rescued.

Anamika, DCF, Central Division Delhi Forest Department, said, “Upon receiving information I had constituted a team and co-ordinated with the police. With their intervention, we got access to the areas where the birds were kept. It was a successful operation because of the coordination between the various teams. Wasim of Wildlife SOS also sent his team upon ours calling them for assistance.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS, stated, “We salute and commend the Delhi Forest Department for their swift and decisive action in rescuing these parakeets. This raid conducted under the leadership of Dr Suneesh Buxy and executed by Ms. Anamika will send a strong message to illegal wildlife traders. The successful release of these parakeets into their natural habitat is a testament to our combined efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and promote wildlife conservation.”

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary, Wildlife SOS, added, “The condition in which the forest department found these birds was alarming. Many were extremely stressed and in dire need of care. We are grateful to the forest department for their invaluable support in this entire operation.”