04 February,2026 01:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Members of the SGNP rescue team and WWA after the successful rescue. Pics/By Special Arrangement
A male Sambar deer was rescued from Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) after it was found trapped in a wire snare, bleeding heavily and suffering from maggot-infested wounds. The metal wire is suspected to have been illegally laid to hunt wild animals.
On February 1, the Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) received an SOS from Adivasi residents of Barik Payari village in Malad, who reported that a Sambar deer had a wire rope entangled in its antlers. The animal was visibly injured and bleeding, prompting an urgent rescue response.
Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) Kiran Patil from SGNP said, "The successful rescue of the injured male Sambar Deer at Barik Payari village demonstrates the prompt response and dedication of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park team, in coordination with the Wildlife Welfare Association and local residents."
Despite difficult terrain and visibility, the joint team, under the guidance of Dr. Nikhil Bangar, Veterinary Officer (Wildlife), SGNP, safely located, tranquilised, and treated the animal, including removal of an illegal wire snare. SGNP appreciates the support of the local community and reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards poaching. Strict monitoring and enforcement will continue to prevent such illegal practices and ensure the protection of wildlife within the park," Patil further added.
Injured male Sambar deer
A WWA team member said the wire appeared to have caused severe injuries. "The deer was badly hurt and bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention. We alerted the SGNP rescue team and rushed to the spot," the member said. The rescue operation was carried out under the guidance of Dr Nikhil Bangar, Veterinary Officer (Wildlife), SGNP.
However, due to poor visibility and difficult terrain, the injured animal moved deeper into the forest before it could be tranquillised, forcing the team to suspend the operation for the day. Given the animal's critical condition, authorities planned a fresh search and rescue effort the following morning.
"Teams resumed the search at dawn on February 2 and, after several hours of combing the forest, traced the injured sambar around noon. The animal was then safely tranquillised by Dr Bangar for treatment," a WWA member said.
Metal wire he was trapped in
"Immediate treatment was administered on site, and the wire was carefully removed to prevent further injury", he added. Wildlife conservationists said the incident underscores the continuing threat posed by poaching.
"Such traps cause prolonged suffering and endanger not just individual animals but the entire ecosystem. Stricter monitoring and enforcement are urgently needed to curb illegal practices and ensure long-term protection of wildlife within the park," said a wildlife expert, requesting anonymity.
