In the bustling state of Gujarat, a new wave of animal rescue volunteers is emerging. It all starts with a simple WhatsApp message that pinpoints a location. By the time most people notice, young rescuers are already on their way to save wildlife in distress.
From students to mechanics, these volunteers range in age from as young as 12 to their early twenties. Equipped with hooks, flashlights, and cameras, they respond quickly to reports of injured or stranded animals. They work under pressure and often in unpredictable situations where every second counts.
“We try to save life,” said Jay Parekh, who’s been rescuing since high school. “Then we see what fear and cruelty can do.” At just 21 years old, he recalls a heartbreaking incident in Chiloda when a spectacled cobra was found dead after someone poured acid into its burrow.
Meanwhile, Raj Garva from Kutch is on the frontline almost daily. This car mechanic has rescued nearly 2,000 snakes over four years and emphasizes the importance of coexistence between humans and reptiles: “We tell them to just watch it and refrain from picking it up.”
The spirit of collaboration shines through as groups form across cities like Ahmedabad. Sahil Lagad, a BCA student at 19 years old, leads efforts alongside his friends in an informal WhatsApp group connecting with NGOs and local forest departments. He describes one memorable rescue involving an entangled crow near a mobile tower: “Police blocked the road while fire brigades assisted us.”
Other team members include Saloni Zaveri and Het Shah; they recently tackled the challenge of lifting an injured nilgai out of danger while fending off stray dogs.
But not all volunteers carry tools for physical rescues—some are armed with cameras instead. Jaimin Bhavsar documents owl species across Gujarat despite health setbacks that halted his study abroad dreams. Kavya Panchal uses photography as her gateway to nature understanding.
A critical message echoes among these passionate youths: if you spot an injured animal or bird, observe from afar and reach out for help rather than intervening yourself.