Ayu Lodha started rescuing injured dogs and cats when she was barely 16. Later, she started caring for birds too, and took in an exotic bird, a cockatiel, after a rescue but it didn’t survive. “I had little experience in avian care then. It made me realise how vulnerable exotic bird species are, and yet they are smuggled in without any concern.”After that painful episode, Ayu decided to focus primarily on birds, which have few dedicated care centres. She flags the illegal trade in exotic wildlife, including birds. Several consignments containing exotic animals and birds have been intercepted at Kempegowda International Airport in recent years.Apart from African lovebirds, cockatiels, conures, eclectus parrots and African greys, she says she had rescued and cared for small companion animals such as hamsters, pet mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, African pygmy hedgehogs and sugar gliders.Ayu is a part of Bengaluru’s animal-rescue ecosystem that is not confined to established shelters. It is sustained by a loose but active network of individual rescuers, neighbourhood volunteers, veterinarians and non-profit organisations, with citizens often serving as the first responders.Ayu, now 26, has rented out an apartment to house several exotic birds who didn’t get a home. “Most of the birds currently in my care have some form of disability or special need — there’s an African grey with metabolic bone disease (MBD), an African lovebird without legs and wings, and cockatiels and an eclectus parrot who are blind.”“There is a lot of interest in keeping birds as pets, but a majority of people don’t realise the amount of care these birds require. Along with the right diet and specialised avian veterinary care, birds need proper enrichment, space and a long-term commitment,” she says.Legal, fiscal challengesFunding is one of the biggest challenges in animal rescue, admits Sujata Rajan, a full-time dog mom and foster mom for the past seven years. “But if there’s a rescue emergency, my priority is always to save the dog first and worry about funding later. Much of the cost of fostering, food, medical care, and daily expenses are covered personally by me,” she says. Sujata, who works as an application support specialist for a US-based firm, says trusted veterinarians and clinics often allow treatment on credit, giving her time to raise the necessary funds.Ayu says a majority of her rescue expenses are borne by an adopter, Preeti Karthik, who has been actively working with her. She’s also supported by a strong network of diagnostic centres and vets, offering steep discounts.The rescuers approach every SOS call with a strong focus on both animal welfare and legal responsibility. Injured, abandoned or distressed dogs are given immediate care and safety, while proper documentation and legal procedures are followed, especially in cruelty cases. “The emphasis is not only on compassion and saving lives but also on maintaining transparency, accountability, and compliance with the law throughout the process,” says Sujata.Rescue, rehab for wildlifeFor injured wildlife in the city, rehab is an essential part. People for Animals (PfA), Bengaluru, has been working to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and release injured and orphaned wildlife back into their natural habitats for the past 30 years. “PfA veterinary team combines conventional medicine and surgery with innovative, species-specific techniques developed through years of field experience,” explains Colonel Dr Navaz Shariff, former DIG and chief wildlife veterinarian of PfA Hospitals.The centre has helpline numbers, where it receives calls from informers and the forest department about injured animals. Ambulances are sent to the location to rescue the animals. Dr Shariff says 99% of the injured wild animals brought to the centre are released into their natural habitats. The remaining 1%—those requiring amputations or facing other complications—are given permanent shelter at the centre.
