Kite bird injured by manja rescued after 60 minutes
Kite manja is turning out to be deadly for birds. In Okhla several cases have been reported of birds getting injured after coming in touch with strings. Okhla-based bird rescuer Shiraz Hussain told the OT that how he gets calls from residents to rescue birds hurt from string.
Watch video of Shiraz rescuing eagle in Abul Fazal Enclave
Across India there have been cases of birds getting hurt from manja. A few days ago, a Black Kite was caught in kite manja and was found hanging from a tree. The bird was safely rescued by the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit and is currently being kept under medical observation and care.
The bird had a manja (glass-coated string) entwined around its wings and legs as it hung from the branches of a tree in Chhipitola Tola, Agra.
A two member team from the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit immediately reached the location and worked hand in hand with members from the Forest Department as well as Nagar Nigam to carry out this critical rescue operation.
A sky lift had to be used in order to reach the bird as it was stranded in the top most branches of a tall tree, said the rescuers. Upon reaching the top of the tree, a pole was used to gently move the bird without causing it any undue stress, it said.
After one grueling hour, the kite was extricated from the tree. With injuries on its legs and wings, the bird was immediately rushed to Wildlife SOS transit facility for urgent medical intervention
Dr Ilayaraja, Deputy Director, Veterinary Services for Wildlife SOS, said: “A detailed medical examination revealed that the Black Kite is a juvenile. While the injuries are minor, the kite is unable to fly and continues to be under observation. We are ensuring the bird receives its feedings and water at regular intervals and will attempt to release it in the next 10-15 days.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder & CEO, Wildlife SOS said: “The Chinese manja is a sharp glass or metal coated nylon string used to fly kites. These strings can cut through the flesh and bone of a bird, leading to life threatening injuries. This particular bird had fallen victim to the Chinese manja and had sustained injuries on its legs and wings. If it was not for timely intervention by the Wildlife SOS rescue team, the bird would have lost its precious life. We request the public to refrain from using such glass coated manjas and avoid flying kites during dusk or dawn when birds are most active. “
The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey. It is thought to be the world’s most abundant species of Accipitridae, although some populations have experienced dramatic declines or fluctuations due to habitat destruction, loss of prey base and poisoning from agricultural pesticides. Black kites are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge for food. Their diet also includes a variety of fish, reptiles, amphibians and other small mammals and birds.
