A human crowd that witnessed the toppling of a tree in Bokakhat town, Assam, on May 28, 2024, rallied to save 36 egret nestlings that were displaced from the nest due to the fierce winds.
The Assam Forest Department, Wildlife Trust of India, and IFAW have jointly operated the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, which is home to a population of 36 egret nestlings. After the cyclone, a review of the nest revealed that four birds had died and the remaining 12 hatchlings were under the care of the wildlife centre.
“We have identified twelve hatchlings with undeveloped down feathers and 22 slightly older hatchlings in the process of developing juvenile down feathers. The egrets were immediately provided with warm lighting, fed bits of fish, and placed under observation,” stated Dr Bhaskar Choudhury, Division Head, Wild Rescue and Head Vet NE, WTI.
The birds were rescued by local residents who took swift action to protect them from the remnants of the fallen tree. The tree was uprooted by the fierce winds, causing the nest to collapse and many hatchlings to fall to the ground.
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has been working tirelessly to conserve nature and endangered species, with the assistance of local communities and governments, for over two decades. Our team is dedicated to providing expert care and support to these animals, and we are committed to ensuring that they have a safe and healthy life.