Thane: Monkey injured by arrow near SGNP; probe underway

Veterinarians will assess its health condition before it is released back into its natural habitat. PIC/RAWW

In a shocking incident, a monkey (Bonnet Macaques) was rescued in Thane after being hit by an arrow near Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).

A distress call was received on the helplines of the forest department and NGO RAWW from a local resident after spotting an injured monkey sitting on a tree with an arrow lodged in its pelvic region.

Following the call, the injured animal was rescued by the wildlife rescue team from RAWW and has been shifted for immediate medical treatment, which will be led by Dr Priti Sathe, associate veterinarian with RAWW.

Sources from the forest department told mid-day.com that an offence under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, will be registered, as the case attracts provisions of Section 9, which prohibits the hunting of any protected animal.

'Arrow used in hunting appears to be professional'

Bonnet Macaques are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides them the highest level of protection.

Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane and President of NGO RAWW Pawan Sharma told mid-day.com that the arrow used in the incident appears to be a professional one used in archery.

Sharma further added, "The forest department has begun the investigation initiate appropriate action. The animal will undergo major surgery and remain under treatment and rehabilitation with RAWW under 24x7 care and monitoring."

9-foot marsh crocodile rescued from IIT-Bombay

A 9-foot marsh crocodile was rescued from the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay during an early morning rescue operation on Monday, officials said.

The reptile was first noticed by security personnel at the institute, who quickly informed the authorities after spotting the animal on the campus premises.

The rescue was carried out jointly by wildlife rescuers from Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and officials from the Mumbai Forest Department.

After receiving the alert, an expert team reached the campus, assessed the situation and safely captured the crocodile without causing harm to the animal or people in the area.

Following the rescue, the crocodile was taken for medical examination and observation.

Veterinarians will assess its health condition before it is released back into its natural habitat after completing the required procedures laid down by the forest department.