2024 A Landmark Year for Animal Rescues: Emergency and Rapid Response Team’s Unwavering Dedication

Wherever animals are in need, PETA India shows up. Our 24/7 Emergency and Rapid Response Team remains dedicated to rescuing and protecting animals, from scaling high-rise buildings to being lowered into wells and offering life-saving medical care. In 2024, the Emergency Response Team responded to over 405,000 emergency calls from compassionate individuals and coordinated over 3,000 remote rescues and rehabilitation, and the Rapid Response Team carried out over 7000 treatments in Delhi and Mumbai to save animals from dire situations. Here are 10 of the year’s most impactful and memorable cases that highlight their relentless commitment to making a difference.

10-foot Python Rescued from a house in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh

In a small Gonda village in Uttar Pradesh, a 10-foot python was spotted in a neighborhood. The emergency response team coordinated with a snake rescuer, who promptly rescued the python and released the snake safely back into its habitat.

Buffalo Saved from a 50-foot Well in Raniganj village, Rajasthan.

Local villagers discovered a buffalo trapped in a deep well while grazing and, after their own rescue efforts failed, they contacted PETA’s Emergency Response Team. The team, with the assistance of the district magistrate and the fire department, came up with an innovative rescue plan. They gradually filled the well with water while carefully guiding the buffalo upwards, ensuring its safe and injury-free recovery. The operation was completed within two hours, bringing immense relief to the animal’s guardian. To prevent future accidents, the well was subsequently covered.

Injured Elephant Rescued in Guwahati, Assam

An injured elephant was trapped in a pond within the Satgaon cantonment area in Assam. A concerned citizen promptly contacted our emergency response team for assistance. Despite encountering initial hurdles, the team effectively utilized local resources to connect with a forest officer. This collaboration resulted in a successful four-day rescue operation. The injured elephant received necessary treatment at a forest rehabilitation center and was subsequently released back into its natural habitat upon a full recovery.

Indian Alexandrine Parakeets Rescued in Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Emergency Response Team discovered two caged parakeets outside a temple in Agra. The birds were without any caretaker, relying solely on the kindness of temple visitors for food. After reporting the issue to Agra’s Divisional Forest Officer, who promptly dispatched a team to rescue the birds. When the police and wildlife officials arrived, the priest fled the area, allowing the team to secure the parakeets swiftly and rehabilitate them to a safe facility. The forest officials plan further investigations into the captivity of the birds.

Monkey Freed from Captivity in Nandurbar, Maharashtra

Our Emergency Response Team received an email regarding a monkey cruelly tied to a tree in scorching heat within the remote tribal region of Nandurbar. The report revealed that two monkeys had been subjected to this inhumane treatment for two months, tragically resulting in the death of one due to the extreme heat. Due to the remoteness of the location, forest officials were initially hesitant to intervene. However, the Emergency Response Team promptly contacted the Nandurbar District Magistrate, briefing him of the situation. The District Magistrate readily agreed to assist, urging the forest officials to cooperate in the rescue effort. Through a concerted three-day operation, the Emergency Response Team, in collaboration with the district magistrate and forest officials, successfully rescued the monkey. Following a thorough medical examination, the rescued monkey was released back into its natural habitat.

Injured Fox Saved in Uttam Nagar, Delhi

Our Rapid Response Team’s veterinary assistant encountered an injured fox on the road while returning from a dog rescue in Uttam Nagar. He stopped the ambulance, halted traffic, covered the fox, and moved the fox to a safe area for a check-up and necessary medical treatment. Our emergency response team coordinated with the Khanpur Forest Department to ensure the fox received the necessary medical care.

Cat Fallen from Height with Critical Injuries Fully Recovered

A cat was severely injured from a fall, when we received a call on our animal emergency helpline number seeking help. Upon reaching the location, our Rapid Response Team found that the cat was bleeding from both the nostrils and mouth, and he was limping on his left forelimbs. Immediate medical treatment, nutrition and consistent follow-up for a month helped the cat to recover completely, bringing joy to his caretaker.

Dog with Severe Testicular Injury Healed

Late at night, our team responded to an urgent call about a dog attacked by other community dogs. He had severe injuries to his testicles, causing life-threatening blood loss. We quickly stabilized him with emergency care and hospitalized him for close monitoring. Thanks to proper care, love, and our Rapid Response Team’s efforts, the dog made a full recovery and was safely returned to his community.

Adventurous Rescue of a Chicken

On request from actor Sneha Ullal, our Rapid Response Team went to the location at 4 a.m. and rescued the chicken from being a potential meal for someone. The team had to navigate through the thick bushes and muddy ground to rescue the bird. The rescue reflected dedication and morals, even if it was a single bird, showcasing the commitment to saving every life.

Injured Kite Rescued from Mumbai Highrise Society

Our team responded to a call from singer and actor Vishal Dadlani and rescued an injured kite. On examination, our Rapid Response Team found that the kite was dehydrated and poisoned. After a night of care and medication, the kite regained the strength, and could balance himself by next day morning.

None of these rescues would have been possible without the compassionate actions of PETA India supporters who stepped up when animals needed them most. If you see an animal in distress, act quickly—your intervention may be their only chance. Document details, contact authorities, and stay with the animal until help arrives. For emergencies, call our 24/7 animal emergency helpline number at 9820122602.

Thank you for making these victories for animals possible!

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