In a significant move to protect Bengaluru's fauna, former Indian cricket captain and Karnataka's forest & wildlife ambassador, Anil Kumble, officially flagged off a state-of-the-art ambulance dedicated exclusively to urban wildlife rescue. This pioneering initiative, born from a partnership between the AI-native automotive platform Tekion and the Praana Animal Foundation, seeks to address the growing challenges posed by the city's rapid expansion and the consequent rise in human-animal conflicts.
A 24x7 Lifeline for City's Wild Residents
The newly launched service establishes a critical emergency response system for animals caught in the urban sprawl. Samyukta Hornad, the founder of Praana Animal Foundation, announced the launch of a 24x7 Helpline where citizens can report wildlife incidents. The ambulance's scope is notably broad. While it will serve native species, it is also specially equipped to handle and safely transport non-native animals like ostriches, emus, and exotic birds, often rescued from unauthorized breeding centres within the city, moving them to appropriate rehabilitation facilities.
Bridging the Infrastructure Gap in Wildlife Care
Operationalized under Tekion's 'Tekion for Good' corporate social responsibility initiative, the project is designed to fill a vital infrastructure void. Aravind Gowda, Senior Director at Tekion, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the project, stating it demonstrates how corporations, civil society, and the government can work together to ensure timely and compassionate care for our shared ecosystem.
The vehicle is more than just transport; it is a mobile veterinary unit. It will have a trained para-veterinarian on board and is stocked with essential medical and rescue equipment to provide immediate on-site care. This ensures animals receive critical first aid before being moved, significantly improving survival and recovery chances.
High-Risk Rescue and Rehabilitation Protocol
The ambulance's capabilities extend to supporting the Karnataka Forest Department in particularly dangerous situations. It is engineered to assist in the transportation of larger, more dangerous animals such as leopards, gaurs, and sloth bears that occasionally stray into residential areas, ensuring these operations are conducted safely for both the animals and the rescue teams.
Outlining the rehabilitation pathway, Principal Secretary for Ecology & Environment, Srinivasulu, confirmed that animals rescued by this service will be transferred to established facilities for professional treatment. These include the Bannerughatta Biological Park or the Birds of Paradise Rehabilitation Center, where they can recover fully before any potential release.
This dedicated wildlife ambulance marks a progressive step for Bengaluru, reflecting a growing urban consciousness towards coexisting with and actively protecting the wildlife that shares our rapidly transforming city spaces.
