Wounded golden jackal rescued, returned to wild

A female golden jackal, discovered injured on Ridge Road last month, was rescued by a local resident and successfully rehabilitated by the non-profit conservation group Wildlife SOS before being released back into her natural habitat.

The prompt action of a Delhi resident, who contacted the Wildlife SOS emergency helpline, ensured the animal received timely medical attention, the organisation said on Wednesday.

The jackal was found suffering from hepatic dysfunction, a wounded left forelimb and multiple infected wounds near her tail. She was unable to stand and appeared lethargic due to anorexia.

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, praised the rescuer’s quick thinking, saying, “Rescues like these highlight how being aware can make a difference. The kind woman’s patience and efforts ensured the jackal’s safety and that is the kind of citizen responsibility we deeply value.”

The organisation’s veterinary team treated the animal at their transit facility. Over the course of a month, the jackal regained strength, mobility and weight, and eventually made a full recovery. She was then released back into the wild.

“Moments like these remind us that compassion and awareness still exist on our streets and they are making a real impact,” said Geeta Seshamani, co-founder and secretary of Wildlife SOS.