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IN PHOTOS | Plastic Free July: Inside the rescue missions saving animals from plastic pollution

Updated On: 27 June, 2026 07:05 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

Ahead of Plastic Free July, wildlife rescuers in Maharashtra have raised concern over the growing threat of plastic pollution to animals, warning that single-use plastic and improper waste disposal continue to cause severe injuries and deaths across species. RESQ Charitable Trust said birds, reptiles and mammals often mistake plastic for food or become trapped in plastic waste, resulting in severe injuries, infections, starvation and, in many cases, death. (Pics/ RESQ Charitable Trust)

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A leopard rescued from a debris-filled canal where it struggled to keep its head above water. (Pics/ RESQ Charitable Trust)
A leopard rescued from a debris-filled canal where it struggled to keep its head above water. (Pics/ RESQ Charitable Trust)
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To promote awareness, RESQ has been conducting educational programmes in schools, using real-life rescue stories, photographs and videos to explain the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife

To promote awareness, RESQ has been conducting educational programmes in schools, using real-life rescue stories, photographs and videos to explain the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife

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Highlighting some recent rescue cases, RESQ cited a long-billed vulture that died after ingesting glass fragments, a python found with a metal wire protruding through its body after swallowing contaminated animal remains

Highlighting some recent rescue cases, RESQ cited a long-billed vulture that died after ingesting glass fragments, a python found with a metal wire protruding through its body after swallowing contaminated animal remains

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Wildlife experts stressed that such incidents are not isolated but reflect a growing pattern of human negligence in waste disposal

Wildlife experts stressed that such incidents are not isolated but reflect a growing pattern of human negligence in waste disposal

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The organisation has appealed to citizens to adopt simple habits such as carrying reusable bags, avoiding littering, wrapping sharp objects before disposal and promptly reporting animals found entangled in plastic waste or manja so rescue teams can intervene in time

The organisation has appealed to citizens to adopt simple habits such as carrying reusable bags, avoiding littering, wrapping sharp objects before disposal and promptly reporting animals found entangled in plastic waste or manja so rescue teams can intervene in time

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"Every rescue begins with someone's decision about where to throw their garbage. No waste management system can replace individual responsibility," the organisation said.

"Every rescue begins with someone's decision about where to throw their garbage. No waste management system can replace individual responsibility," the organisation said.

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