A black kite lay helpless on the tracks at Okhla Bird Sanctuary metro station, its left wing injured so badly that it could not move. Passengers and staff watched the bird struggle, knowing it would not survive without help. The metro control room wasted no time and reached out for rescue support. The Wildlife SOS team rushed in, gently lifted the frightened kite, and carried it to safety. Thanks to their quick action, the bird now has a chance to heal and fly again.
In a swift operation, Wildlife SOS rushed to the rescue of an immobile black kite, found injured on the tracks of Okhla Bird Sanctuary Metro Station. Once the rescue team received the call, they reached the site on time and carefully descended to the track, while ensuring the safety of both the bird and the onlookers. After a temporary delay in train operations, the rescuer successfully retrieved the kite. Once the bird was safely rescued, it was transported to the Wildlife SOS Transit Facility, where it is currently under medical care and observation.
The kite is being treated for its wing injury and will remain under rehabilitation until it is fit to be released back into the wild. Notably, the black kite (Milvus migrans) is protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making it illegal to harm or capture the species.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO, Wildlife SOS said: “Urban environments can often be hazardous for raptors like kites. This rescue highlights how citizen awareness and quick reporting can make all the difference in saving a wild animal’s life. These birds play an important ecological role by cleaning up carrion and maintaining balance in the ecosystem.”
Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder & Secretary, Wildlife SOS said: “Every animal deserves a second chance at life. Halting the metro to save the life of a bird is a remarkable step on part of the metro staff and we are hopeful that this kite will soon recover and soar back into the skies where it belongs.”
Wasim Akram, Director- Sustainability & Special Projects, Wildlife SOS said: “We are grateful to the Delhi Metro authorities for acting swiftly and alerting our team. Each rescue helps prevent further distress to the animal and fosters coexistence between humans and wildlife in shared spaces.”
Wildlife SOS said it is also leading the national movement to end the exploitation of elephants in captivity through its Begging Elephant Campaign, which rescues abused elephants from urban streets, wedding processions and temples used for begging, providing them long-term medical care and sanctuary.
