New Delhi (NVI): A rare, glossy Ibis bird was rescued today from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence after it collapsed due to extreme heat and dehydration.
Glossy Ibis is a wading bird belonging to the Ibis family. It is a migratory species and inhabits wetlands, marshes and agriculture lands all across the world. Ibises breed in colonies, building nests in low trees and shrubs. They feed on small fish, frogs, snails, insects etc.
As Delhi has been recording severe heatwave conditions this week, it is not just humans who are bearing the brunt but also animals across the national capital.
At PM Narendra Modi’s house, the bird was found by the security personnel near the reception area.
Suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration, the bird was unable to fly. Concerned for its well-being, the officials immediately contacted Wildlife SOS on their 24-hr rescue helpline number.
A two member rescue team from the NGO was rushed for the bird’s aid as it continues to provide animal ambulance services to wild animals in distress amidst the nationwide lockdown.
The bird was given oral rehydration solution and it is currently under observation.
A large number of animals, especially birds, are falling prey to the soaring temperature due to dehydration, heat exhaustion and lack of shade. As various parts of North India continue to reel under the heatwave such cases are bound to escalate in the months to come.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-Founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “We are thankful to the staff and security personnel at the PM house for their support, and for alerting Wildlife SOS to this emergency. This is a juvenile Ibis as it has a dull brown plumage and white flecks on its neck and chest. Breeding adults are mostly dark with iridescent green and reddish tones. Ibises have a distinctive curved, sickle-shaped beak. These birds measure 45 to 65 cm in length and their wingspan is 80 to 90 cm.”
Wasim Akram, Manager Wildlife SOS Special Projects said, “At times like this we must remain compassionate and consider the welfare of birds and animals that share our surroundings. We can do our bit by putting out earthen water bowls and food in our balconies, window sills, outside residential complexes and shops. Creating green cover by planting more trees and keeping potted plants also provide reprieve to these animals.”
