India, Andhra Pradesh: VSPCA rescues hundreds of birds in the wake of cyclone Phaillin

In the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, hard-hit by the strong winds of cyclone Phaillin, the VSPCA (Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals) has been rescuing wild storks.

Around 2,000 Asian openbill storks were found on the ground, having fallen from their nests during the violent storm. Some had died, but many could be rescued, and the VSPCA team was hard at work picking them up, examining them for injuries, treating them, and feeding them.

The VSPCA has helped the storks of this colony for several years, educating the people in how to care for them and keep them safe from poachers.  Many of the storks, especially the adults, survived and were still safe in the trees.  But it was sad to see so many who had fallen. Their breeding season is from July to September, and it was many of the young ones, who were nearly ready to fledge, who had been blown out of their nests.

Thanks to the speedy efforts of VSPCA, many of the young storks are being saved and will be releasable—and should be just fine, despite their ordeal with the wind and the rain.

If you’d like to help, you can do so via the website of Help Animals India.

Photos: Courtesy of VSPCA