Indian Scops Owl rescued from minister’s house in Janpath
Bird kept for routine observation, says Wildlife SOS
Staff at the Janpath residence of Union Cabinet Minister Virendra Kumar saw an uninvited guest on Friday — a small Indian Scops Owl.
Unsure how the bird had reached the house but aware of the need for professional help, they contacted Wildlife SOS, a wildlife conservation NGO, setting in motion a rescue that ended without harm to the owl.
The Indian Scops Owl, also known by its scientific name Otus Bakkamoena, is a species native to South Asia. It is a nocturnal bird and is known for its natural camouflage, which makes it difficult to spot during the day. The species mainly feeds on insects and usually nests in tree cavities.
According to Wildlife SOS, the bird was identified as a sub-adult Indian Scops Owl. After it was noticed at the residence, staff members placed the owl safely in a box to prevent harm and contacted Wildlife SOS for assistance. The organisation’s Rapid Response Unit was then dispatched to the location.
The Wildlife SOS said its field team reached the residence and assessed the condition of the bird. After an initial examination, the owl was transported to their transit facility for further observation. The organisation said the owl did not show any visible injuries at the time of rescue.
Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and chief executive officer of the Wildlife SOS, said: “Urban environments can often be hazardous for owls like Indian Scops Owl. This rescue highlights how citizen awareness and quick reporting can make all the difference in saving a wild animal’s life.”
Wasim Akram, director for sustainability and special projects at the Wildlife SOS, said: “The bird fortunately does not have any injuries. Due to the owl’s age, we will keep the bird under routine observation. Once the veterinarians deem it to be fit, we will release the owl into a suitable natural habitat.”
The Wildlife SOS said encounters between people and wild animals are becoming more common in the urban areas. The organisation advised residents to avoid handling wild birds and animals directly and to contact trained rescue teams for assistance. It also shared its emergency helpline number, +91 9871963535, for reporting wildlife distress cases.
