Thane, India: Thane SPCA opens a new raptor center

By Thane SPCA

Many will remember the Raptor Hermitage Initiative taken up by Thane SPCA in the month of March 2014. We suggested that the Forest Department allow us to use the dilapidated cages within the Karnala Sanctuary for Raptors to rehabilitate before they take flight. They agreed only if we donate the funds to them!! We raised funds for this with much difficulty and made the cage brand new.

The revamped raptor cage was inaugurated on August 22, 2014 by Local MLA Vivek Patil in the presence of Addl Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Conservator of Forests along with Team Thane SPCA. Twelve Black Kites were transferred from Thane SPCA Animal Hospital to this cage for rehabilitation till they will be fit to fly. One fresh water turtle has also been transferred to give company to the lonely turtle inside the turtle pond.

Thane SPCA has guided the Forest Officials about the caretaking of these birds. Thane SPCA and RAWW members will be following up closely with the Karnala forest officials about the upkeep of these birds for the next two to three months.

As and when the birds grow their flight feathers (which they have lost because of their injuries), they will be released in our presence and in the meanwhile the birds which are still under treatment at Thane SPCA and will need rehabilitation, will be again transferred there. This cycle will enable us to receive more birds for treatment and give more space for the injured birds at Thane SPCA.

The birds now have three tiers of perches and ample space to recuperate before their release.

There was some discussion about a Star Tortoise rehabilitation and the Addl PCCF has principally agreed to go ahead with it pending our submission of a Project Report. It will be submitted shortly.

We will be transferring more soft shelled turtles to the turtle pond at Karnala within the next two weeks. For their food, we have also introduced a pair of adult rohu-katla and some fingerlings which will breed there and the feeding cycle will be complete as nature intended. Planning to introduce some imported guppies also. Some water plants will also be introduced, for which we have requested the Go Green Nursery to help us out.

Photo: Courtesy of Thane SPCA

To visit the Facebook page of the Raptor hermitage, click here.