RESQ Charitable Trust

Today, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to .plus by for their generous support over the years to the work we do!

Your generosity is the fuel that powers our efforts and brings hope to countless lives - !

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Let's keep making a difference, one rescue at a time! 🚑

…and it’s a wrap! December 2023 saw us conclude the year with intriguing rescues and successful veterinary interventions, all detailed in our latest newsletter. We provided aid to 5,700+ wildlife (of 187 species!) and made a positive impact on thousands of individuals who live in the communities that coexist with them.

Immense thanks to the Maharashtra Forest Department and the Police Department, and our dedicated supporters for enabling our continuous wildlife conservation efforts. Wishing you a prosperous year ahead!
- Team RESQ CT

November 2023 for the RESQ team was full of travelling across the state for challenging rescues on field. Through Diwali, our dedicated teams worked continuously day and night, with most forgoing their break in order to look after the wildlife at the TTC, where we witnessed remarkable veterinary recoveries.

We extend our heartfelt thanks for your support, which brought light and life into the new year for hundreds of wildlife. We hope you enjoy reading the updates from the month.

Unlocking wilderness and freedom for this grey langur!

The Dhule Forest Department in collaboration with local rescuers rescued a langur from illegal captivity and transferred it to the team in Nashik.

The langur has been admitted to the RESQ Wildlife TTC Pune, marking the beginning of an extensive journey through meticulous rehabilitation. The ultimate goal is to help the langur reacquire its wild instincts by integrating it with a troop and eventually return to its natural habitat.

Spot-billed Duck Tales!
An adult Indian spot-billed duck was found lying on the side of the road in Pune. It was safely transferred to the RESQ Wildlife TTC by the RESQ Team and is currently undergoing treatment for a suspected infection rendering it weak and unable to move much.

A lone wolf in Dhule was in trouble, too weak to stand and seemingly blind. Local forest officers rescued him and the team at RESQ Nashik Division worked tirelessly to stabilize him. Although he's now on his feet, his vision is compromised, hinting at possible head trauma.

The next chapter of his recovery is unfolding at RESQ Wildlife TTC Pune, where he's undergoing eye treatment. Vets and rehabilitators are working day and night, hopeful that he'll fully recover and rejoin his pack.

We're all rooting for this brave wolf as he fights his way back to the wild. Follow his journey as we share updates on his hopeful and brave battle back to health.

October 2023 has been an eventful at RESQ CT ... from a challenging capture of a problem leopard in an agricultural landscape within 4 days to embracing the spirit of National Wildlife Week through the month and conducting awareness programs for over 7000+ people. With over 350+ wildlife under rehabilitation at Pune and Nashik under our care - it has been a demanding month! Through it all, we are grateful for your support and we hope you enjoy reading the updates of the month.
- Team RESQ CT

An Indian spectacled cobra was reported trapped in freshly laid tar from Uruli Kanchan. Rescued by a local resident, our team safely transported it to RESQ Wildlife TTC, where the cobra is undergoing a thorough cleaning process to remove the tar, especially the residue from its mouth and nostrils. This is being done gradually over a span of a few days to ensure no further discomfort to the snake.

How often do we see these birds kept as pets in cages like these? It's rather common for people to believe that keeping Indian parakeet species as pets is okay. However, they are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, making it a serious offense.

Recently, two of these rose singed parakeets were seized from illegal captivity and admitted to the RESQ Wildlife TTC. They will now undergo a lengthy wildlife rehabilitation process with the hope that it can reinstate their wild traits so they can be released back to where they belong to live a wild and free life.

If you come across a situation like this, where native wildlife is kept as a pet, you can report it to the RESQ HELPLINE on +9191725 11100 or inform the Forest Department on 1926.

 

Late last night, the Forest Department in Chiplun rescued a python, which was subsequently admitted to the RESQ Wildlife TTC. It exhibited abnormal abdominal bulges and had a sharp metal wire protruding. Shockingly, X-rays revealed a long, thick metal wire entangled in the python's digestive system.

The wire's origin, whether ingested by the python or its prey, remains a mystery. Urgent surgical intervention became necessary, with skillfully removing the wire using minimally invasive techniques to ensure a speedy recovery.

While the python is already displaying activity and movement, indicating a positive response to the intervention, this incident prompts us to contemplate the consequences of improper waste disposal. It's a stark reminder that responsible waste management is crucial to the coexist peacefully with urban wildlife.

 

Here's the September 2023 edition of the RESQ newsletter. This month, delve into updates on our wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts, community awareness initiatives, and training programs. We extend our sincere gratitude to our supporters for their unwavering contributions and to the Forest Department, as together, we provide aid for so many.

A juvenile rhesus macaque found its way into a human settlement in Pune, without any fellow primates in sight. When a dog chased the young macaque, it sought refuge in one of the houses, initially causing concern among the residents. However, the locals soon realized that the baby macaque was frightened and posed no threat, so they came together to rescue the monkey, relocating it to a secure spot in a parking area. They promptly notified our team at RESQ who transported the macaque to the RESQ Wildlife TTC, where it is now undergoing wildlife rehabilitation.

The mouse deer, a timid and elusive species, also the smallest among deer species, seldom graces human eyes and typically resides deep within the lush vegetation of the Western Ghats. However, in an unfortunate turn of events, this one found itself on the side of the road, falling victim to a tragic road accident.

Following its rescue by the Satara Forest Department, the injured mouse deer was brought to the RESQ Wildlife TTC, where it was diagnosed with a spinal injury. Despite receiving prompt and comprehensive medical care, the mouse deer succumbed to its injuries and we’ve lost another rare species to urbanisation and human-wildlife conflict.

Found trapped and entangled in a safety net, this Indian rock python was rescued by the Forest Department and reported to us. It has since been receiving treatment and close monitoring at the RESQ Wildlife TTC. Although its injuries are serious, we are hopeful that it will fully recover and be able to return to the wild in the near future.

Three jungle cat kittens were found on farmland near Pune. Their mother was discovered deceased nearby, likely dead for 2-3 days. The kittens are now at the RESQ Wildlife TTC, admitted under orphan care. They were severely dehydrated and unkempt, having not been fed or groomed by their mother for over 2 days. Currently, they are being stabilized and hand-fed, with hopes for their eventual wildlife rehabilitation and return to the wild.

On September 5th, 2023, "SAFE Snakes", a highly interactive and educational session was conducted for a group of 50 security staff and team members of Mahindra and Mahindra in Vadgaon, Pune. This session shed light on the indigenous snake species that inhabit our surroundings and provided valuable insights on how to minimize human-snake interactions. Furthermore, it offered guidance on effectively managing such encounters and fostering peaceful coexistence with snakes.

The session garnered an enthusiastic response from the Mahindra and Mahindra employees, as they frequently come across snakes in their proximity, with these reptiles even occasionally entering their facilities.

RESQ's SAFE Snakes awareness session serves a crucial purpose by not only educating individuals about the significance of snakes within our ecosystem but also by imparting essential knowledge on how to peacefully coexist with them.

If you are interested in organizing an awareness session on coexisting harmoniously with snakes, leopards, or other urban wildlife, please contact us at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

We're already through two-thirds of the year, and amidst the constant on-field rescues, we've scarcely had a moment to look up. However, it's the rehabilitation team that's been working tirelessly this month, with the RESQ center being central to our efforts. As the importance of human-wildlife coexistence becomes clearer, the need for relevant education grows necessitating our teams to proactively engage in outreach and awareness as well. Discover more about August 2023 in our newsletterhttps://storage.googleapis.com/resqct/resq-newsletter-august-2023.pdf

We're profoundly grateful to our supporters and the Maharashtra Forest Department for their steadfast assistance and collaboration.

The RESQ Squad by National Geographic is now airing on Disney Hotstar! Ready for some action, adventure, heart-warming and heart-breaking moments? Watch the show for an insight into the work that we do for animals, every single day.

Forever grateful for the support we get from Maharashtra Forest Department with whom we work collaboratively towards and to every RESQ donor for enabling the service we provide to wildlife in distress.

A huge thank you to and the crew at Riverbanks for making this happen!

What you waiting for..headover to Hotstar now! https://hotstar.com/in/movies/resq-squad/1260147609

Gyanendra Singh, affectionately known as Happy, currently serves as a para-veterinarian at the RESQ Wildlife TTC's OPD. Happy joined our team in 2018, initially focusing on domestic animals, particularly as a para-vet with cattle. Throughout his journey, his devotion to working solely with animals has remained unwavering. He’s known for his sincerity, promptness and a constant pleasant smile on his face.

One of Happy's most cherished responsibilities is contributing to treatments. Witnessing animals progress from the ICU to enclosures, and eventually being released, fills him with profound joy and a sense of fulfillment. Among his most unforgettable moments was administering care to a leopard, an experience etched in his memory.

Beyond his professional role, Happy finds solace in playing video games and indulging in music. His life motto, "whatever happens, happens for the best," reflects his positive outlook. In an alternate life as an animal, Happy envisions himself as a bat, intrigued by their unique personalities.

Gyanendra Singh, or Happy, exemplifies dedication and passion, breathing life into the work we do.

Look who reclaimed its rightful flight to freedom!
A peafowl that was reported grounded, unable to take flight after colliding with an urban structure in the heart of the city! Fortunately the peafowl emerged without any significant harm and after medical care and stabilisation, it was deemed fit for release.

Tactile, savvy and proficient- Abhijeet Mahale, the wildlife conservation royalty of RESQ also known as the 'Leopard Man'. With an innate understanding of wildlife preservation, Abhijeet has demonstrated his prowess by rescuing over 100 leopards from distressing situations, solidifying his said status! His path into this world was driven by a childhood marked with an unwavering fascination with the natural world and his journey began with capturing his first snake as a teenager, a pivotal moment that ignited his lifelong dedication to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Joining the RESQ team in 2019 as a wildlife rescuer, Abhijeet's journey took a transformative turn when he relocated to Nashik in 2021. This move led to the establishment of the RESQ Nashik Division in 2023, with Abhijeet at its helm. His local organization in Nashik had already been making strides in wildlife conservation since 2014, but the growing demand pushed him to collaborate with RESQ, resulting in the birth of the RESQ Nashik Division. What he loves most about working with RESQ is the organisation's streamlined management, focus on safe rescue techniques, meticulous data management, and unwavering commitment to prioritize the well-being of animals. Among the infinite moments he holds close to his heart, Abhijeet's most cherished memory is rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing a pangolin.

Beyond his role professionally, Abhijeet finds solace and joy in pursuits such as birding, herping and camping. He also harbors a fascination for vintage bikes and cars. Abhijeet's guiding philosophy is beautifully encapsulated in his signature phrase, "The only difference between ‘scary’ and ‘beautiful’ is lack of knowledge." Through his inborn talent for raising awareness, he has consistently fostered a harmonious environment of coexistence.

When asked what animal he would’ve fancied being born as- “a wolf”, he says immediately, adding how the sturdy resilience of the species and their ability to remain untamed, makes them fascinating creatures.

Tactile, savvy and proficient! Meet Abhijeet Mahale, the wildlife conservation royalty of RESQ also known as the 'Leopard Man'. With an innate understanding of wildlife preservation, Abhijeet has demonstrated his prowess by rescuing over 100 leopards from distressing situations, solidifying his said status! His path into this world was driven by a childhood marked with an unwavering fascination with the natural world and his journey began with capturing his first snake as a teenager, a pivotal moment that ignited his lifelong dedication to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Joining the RESQ team in 2019 as a wildlife rescuer, Abhijeet's journey took a transformative turn when he relocated to Nashik in 2021. This move led to the establishment of the RESQ Nashik Division in 2023, with Abhijeet at its helm. His local organization in Nashik had already been making strides in wildlife conservation since 2014, but the growing demand pushed him to collaborate with RESQ, resulting in the birth of the RESQ Nashik Division. This endeavor aims to provide round-the-clock assistance to wildlife in a systematic manner, mirroring the successful model of RESQ Pune. What he loves most about working with RESQ is the organisation's streamlined management, focus on safe rescue techniques, meticulous data management, and unwavering commitment to prioritize the well-being of animals. Among the infinite moments he holds close to his heart, Abhijeet's most cherished memory is rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing a pangolin.

Beyond his role professionally, Abhijeet finds solace and joy in pursuits such as birding, herping and camping. He also harbors a fascination for vintage bikes and cars. Abhijeet's guiding philosophy is beautifully encapsulated in his signature phrase, "The only difference between ‘scary’ and ‘beautiful’ is lack of knowledge." Through his inborn talent for raising awareness, he has consistently fostered a harmonious environment of coexistence.

When asked what animal he would’ve fancied being born as- “a wolf”, he says immediately, adding how the sturdy resilience of the species and their ability to remain untamed, makes them fascinating creatures.

This July, we had an unusual influx of wildlife at our centre but thanks to the incredible support received from the community and our well-wishers… over 1000+ wild animals were rescued and provided rehabilitation at RESQ CT. Here’s our monthly newsletter with updates and much gratitude 🙏🏼

Vikas Singh Chauhan, a valued member of RESQ, is a sincere and peace-loving individual who dedicates himself to the treatment of wildlife. Having joined RESQ in 2016 as a para vet, Vikas admits that it’s his best decision. He adds how his lifelong passion for animals led him to this organization which was his destiny. Vikas is incredibly proud of the unity of the team members at RESQ and adds how it contributes heavily towards the seamless functioning of the organization. What he loves the most about working here is that he feels valued and respected. The sense of importance he experiences while working here fuels his dedication to the cause. Guided by the philosophy that "work is worship," Vikas believes that his dedicated efforts will shape him into the person he aspires to become. This mantra drives his unwavering commitment to his profession.
One of Vikas's most cherished memories at RESQ is witnessing the triumphant release of an adult hyena. After enduring an amputation and undergoing months of recovery and rehabilitation, this hyena, rescued from a snare, successfully reintegrated into the wild despite its missing foot. The gratification he felt during this awe-inspiring moment is etched in his heart. Outside of his professional life, Vikas indulges in his hobbies of exploring new places, savoring the joy of wanderlust. Additionally, he finds solace and delight in cooking and playing competitive sports like cricket and kabaddi.
When asked which animal Vikas would like to be reincarnated as, he immediately chose cow. Recognizing the cow's timeless contributions to mankind, he admires the role she has played in supporting humanity throughout history.

🦉 Unboxed! Incredible transformation of 5 majestic Barn Owls.. 🙌 Local rescuer saves 5 adult barn owls stuck in a residential duct! With medical care , they're on the mend and under close observation. Once they're ready, back to the wild they’ll go!

Laxman Bhairwad is a calm, peaceful, and incredibly dedicated individual who never turns down any task. He has been working at RESQ since 2017, Currently, he is part of the centre management team, involved in cleaning, sorting, moving, and building enclosures. He also assists with enrichment activities.

Before joining RESQ, Laxman worked as a gardener on a farmhouse. His passion for working with animals led him to RESQ, attracted by the organization's functioning and the excellent facilities provided to employees.

Working at RESQ brings Laxman a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. He appreciates the positive intentions of everyone around him, and his days pass by contentedly. Among his most cherished memories are the days when RESQ received its first leopard and elephant for treatment and rehabilitation. The excitement of preparing for their treatment and rehabilitation fills him with pride, especially considering those were the early days before the establishment of a dedicated Wildlife TTC.

Outside of work, Laxman is deeply religious and begins his day with prayers. During his free time, he enjoys singing bhajans. He also finds joy in spending time with his pet dog and his children.

Laxman lives by the mantra, "Be kind to animals as they can't speak." If given the chance, he would choose to be born as an owl, appreciating the qualities associated with these magnificent birds.

An Indian blackbird pays an unexpected house visit!
This little birdie flew inside a residence and crashed to the ground after which it was observed unable to fly. The concerned caller brought it to RESQ Wildlife TTC for admission. The bird is now under treatment and wildlife rehabilitation, and will soon take to the skies.