On the evening of Thursday, 15 August, a remarkable rescue took place in Moraraji Nagar, Powai. A courageous team of volunteers successfully saved a stranded crocodile from a deep, 5-feet pit situated between two major water pipelines. The unfortunate reptile had somehow wandered away from Powai Lake during the monsoon season and accidentally fallen into the pit.
A local spotted the distressed reptile around 6pm. The news of the crocodile’s predicament quickly spread, drawing the attention of concerned locals who gathered around the pit. Despite the crowd, the rescuers managed to maintain a calm and organized environment to minimize stress for the trapped creature.
This particular crocodile was a male, weighing approximately 12 kg, and displaying defensive behavior due to dehydration.
Alarmed residents wasted no time in contacting the forest department, which promptly coordinated with RAWW and WWA to initiate the rescue operation. The volunteers faced significant challenges during the mission, as they carefully approached the distressed crocodile in the deep pit.
To ensure minimal stress for the animal, the rescuers strategically covered its eyes with a cloth bag, shielding it from the surrounding commotion. This allowed them to safely approach the crocodile while maintaining its well-being. With the help of a team member descending halfway into the pit, and assisted from the ground, the crocodile was successfully lifted out and secured.
Following the rescue, the crocodile received a thorough examination from veterinarian Dr. Priti Sathe, who confirmed that it showed no visible injuries. Dr. Sathe certified the crocodile as ‘Fit for Release’ back into its natural habitat. RAWW’s president, Pawan Sharma, expressed his satisfaction with the successful release of the reptile.
According to the volunteers from Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA), it was evident that the crocodile had been trapped in the pit for at least 12 hours.
Emphasizing the importance of coexistence and wildlife conservation, a volunteer from WWA stated, “It is not uncommon for crocodiles to stray from their habitat in search of food or during breeding season. Should anyone come across such wildlife, it is crucial to contact the forest department instead of harming the animals.”
The commendable efforts of the locals in identifying, safeguarding, and reporting the trapped crocodile to the forest department highlight the significance of human-animal harmony. Their actions serve as a true testament to the spirit of coexistence in our society.
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