In a recent operation, the wildlife department in Gurgaon rescued an Alexandrine parakeet from a house in Nirvana Country after receiving a tip-off from animal welfare activists. The protected bird species, listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, was found confined in a cage at a residence in Deerwood Chase.
Rescue Operation Details
Wildlife activist Vaishali Rana Chandra reported receiving information about the bird being kept captive. She promptly alerted the forest department, stating, “The bird was confined in a cage and kept outdoors for several hours. We alerted the wildlife department and requested intervention.” Following the complaint, a wildlife team visited the residence and took custody of the parakeet, which was then shifted for observation and examination.
Owner's Explanation and Legal Action
DFO (wildlife) R K Jhagra revealed that the resident claimed the parakeet had landed on their rooftop and was subsequently caught and brought indoors. Jhagra confirmed the bird's protected status under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. “The bird has been rescued and is under observation. A decision on its release will be taken after assessing its health and condition. A penalty of around Rs 5,500 will be imposed on the resident,” he said.
Future of the Rescued Bird
Wildlife officials plan to release the parakeet in the Sultanpur area after a veterinary examination and observation period, provided it is deemed fit for survival in the wild. The Alexandrine parakeet is one of India's largest parakeet species, characterized by its large red beak, long tail, and distinctive maroon wing patch. Although commonly found across parts of the Indian subcontinent, it faces threats from illegal trapping and the pet trade.
Call for Awareness
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of illegal captivity of native parakeet species despite legal protections and awareness campaigns. Officials reiterated that native parakeets cannot be kept without authorization and urged residents to contact the forest department if a wild bird enters their premises, rather than attempting to keep it as a pet.
