Wildlife – Major Rescue Operations and Rare Animal Sightings Mark Conservation Efforts in North India
Wildlife – A series of wildlife-related developments across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana has brought renewed attention to conservation efforts in northern India. Forest authorities and wildlife experts have recently completed several rescue operations, protected vulnerable animals, and documented a significant sighting of a rare species, reflecting the growing focus on safeguarding the region’s biodiversity.
Gharial Rescued After Months of Coordinated Monitoring
An adult gharial measuring more than 12 feet in length has been successfully rescued after spending several months inside the Indira Gandhi Canal in Rajasthan. The reptile, originally believed to have strayed from Punjab, was safely captured on July 27 during a joint operation carried out by the forest departments of Punjab and Rajasthan, with support from wildlife specialists and field personnel.
The rescue process began in March after Rajasthan’s wildlife authorities informed their Punjab counterparts about the animal’s presence in the canal. Since Punjab has considerable experience in gharial conservation, officials worked together to plan a safe capture. The rescued reptile has now been shifted to Chhatbir Zoo in Mohali, where veterinarians will conduct health examinations and oversee rehabilitation before it is eventually released into the Beas River Conservation Reserve.
Officials noted that Punjab’s ongoing conservation programme has already helped reintroduce 94 juvenile gharials into the 185-kilometre Beas River Conservation Reserve, covering several districts including Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Tarn Taran.
Elderly Elephant Receives Medical Care Following Rescue
In another important operation, Punjab’s Forest Department rescued a 55-year-old female elephant named Lachami from Barnala after reports indicated that the animal was in poor physical condition. Authorities said the elephant appeared dehydrated, malnourished and partially blind, while allegations also surfaced that she had been used in religious processions and for begging.
Forest officials located the elephant after receiving information about her condition and immediately arranged veterinary treatment. Medical experts recommended urgent specialised care and continuous observation. Following these findings, the elephant was shifted to Chhatbir Zoo, where a dedicated veterinary team is monitoring her recovery.
Police have also registered a case against the elephant’s owner and three mahouts in connection with the alleged mistreatment of the animal.
Illegal Captivity of Parrots Ends in Himachal Pradesh
Wildlife authorities in Himachal Pradesh rescued 15 parrots that had allegedly been kept in illegal captivity in Bilaspur district. The action followed a complaint submitted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), prompting forest officials to conduct separate rescue operations.
The first operation resulted in the release of four parrots, while the second led to the recovery of 11 more birds that had reportedly remained confined in a cage for over two decades. Officials stated that several rescued parrots require medical attention and have been transferred to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Tutikandi in Shimla. The birds will undergo treatment and rehabilitation before being considered fit for release into their natural habitat.
Rare Snow Leopard Recorded in Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary
A major conservation milestone has also been reported from Himachal Pradesh, where a snow leopard has been photographed for the first time inside the Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kangra district.
The image was captured by a camera trap installed at an altitude of 2,836 metres in December 2025. Wildlife experts described the record as highly significant because it confirms the presence of the endangered species beyond its traditionally recognised trans-Himalayan range. The discovery also strengthens the ecological importance of the Dhauladhar landscape as a natural corridor connecting high-altitude habitats with surrounding protected areas.
Leopard Sighting Prompts Public Advisory in Haryana
Meanwhile, wildlife officials in Haryana have urged residents to remain alert after a leopard was spotted near the Som River bridge on the Chhachhrauli-Shahpur road in Yamunanagar district. A video showing the animal resting near the roadside before moving away as vehicle headlights approached has spread widely on social media.
The Forest Department has advised people travelling through the area, particularly during nighttime, to exercise caution. Farmers working near forest boundaries have also been asked to stay vigilant until the movement of the animal is properly monitored.